So, we are moving right along in our thoughts and ideas for this project, and have a new, actually applicable thought!
After last class we kind of realized we needed a more acute 'problem' to solve. Today, Hanna and I discussed with Professor Charron the use of the lego WeDo in an occupational therapy setting.
Through the planning, construction and completion of any of the lego WeDo projects, students with fine motor difficulties will have the opportunity to practice existing skills and potentially gain more mobility and practical use.
We were given the opportunity to begin a draft of a teaching plan for the WeDo lego idea and it's practicality within a kindergarten or first grade classroom. The overarching problem we wish to address is how these toys and tools may be used to improve students fine motor skills.
Small motor skills are essential to everyday life- including self care- as well as education. Therefore the ability to use all ten fingers, hands, and wrists becomes necessary to sucess in daily living. Through the use of legos, students will be "taught" through a play based setting, which will potential motivate them to participate in more complex projects and further their development.
Fine motor skills can be broken down into four bases: postural stability, tactile perception, hand function, and bilateral coordination. Using legos teaches students simultaneous movements as it requires one hand to steady/stabilize the base while the other picks up, handles, and attaches. In education, this bilateral coordination can be applied to handwriting, for example, as students are required to hold the paper (stabilize) with one hand, and grasp and manipulate the writing tool.
Our most valuable research tools so far has been the Lego Education website as well as a variety of family resource sites, and blogs dedicated toward OT therapy and development.
That's all for now :)
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