The Marker Game
Looking for a fun and versatile activity to support your child's development? This activity is not only enjoyable but also helps build a range of essential skills. Here’s how you can set it up and make the most of it!
Materials Needed:
Paper (or a chalkboard/whiteboard)
Tape
Markers
Skills Addressed:
Fine Motor Skills:
Holding utensils
Taping on a vertical surface promotes wrist extension
Crossing the midline by connecting dots from one side of the page to the other
Visual Motor and Perceptual Skills:
Visual tracking
Figure-ground (finding markers among other items)
Color matching
Visual memory
Executive Functioning:
Working memory
Sequencing
Attention
Gross Motor Skills:
Moving your body to search for markers
How to Set It Up:
Step 1: Tape a piece of paper (or use a chalkboard/whiteboard) onto a vertical surface.
Step 2: Draw two dots of each color randomly on the paper. Ideally, place one dot on each side of the paper. You can alternate doing this with your kids, let them do it themselves, or prepare it ahead of time.
Step 3: Have the kids close their eyes while you hide the markers. Get creative with hiding spots—high, low, in plain sight, or tricky places. For an added sensory component, place some markers in a bean or sensory bin.
Step 4: Let the kids search for the markers. When they find one, have them draw a line connecting the dots. The game is complete when all dots are connected!
Step 5: Play again! This time, let the kids hide the markers and cheer you on. Celebrate their creativity and effort—show them it’s challenging for you too and compliment their hiding skills.
Modifications
Change Writing Utensil: Use crayons, pencils, or different colored markers.
Dot Size: Make the dots bigger (downgrade) or smaller (upgrade).
Dot Placement: Make dots farther apart (upgrade) or closer together (downgrade).
Rainbow Order: Connect dots in rainbow order or create more complex designs
Hidden Activities: Add a hidden activity or clue under each dot for an extra challenge.
Where to Play:
Inside the house
Outside
At the park
In the classroom
Clinic or therapy setting
This activity is a fantastic way to incorporate play into skill-building. It’s adaptable and can be enjoyed across various environments and settings. Plus, it’s a great confidence builder—let the kids take the lead and watch their creativity shine!
