Rainy Day Therapist Kit

Product Description

Sensory 5

Skills

• The Rainy Day Therapist Kit can provide sensory development by talking about and feeling the textures of the attachments. For example, the glider swing has multiple textures like plastic, rope and foam.
• Motor planning skills are developed as the child learns how to move and balance their bodies to swing.
• Body awareness is promoted especially when children are using the glider swing depending on the width of the doorway. 

Play Ideas

• A caregiver can hang a fiber optic light in or around the doorway for the child to interact with visually and tactilely. Note: This play idea must have constant adult supervision.
• A caregiver and child can sing a song as the child swings or play the child’s favorite music. The melodies of the music can assist further with the soothing rhythm of swinging.
• A caregiver can set up a fan on the floor that will provide the child with white noise and a cool breeze while swinging. 

Adaptation Ideas

• A caregiver can set up yoga mats or kids’ play mats in the doorway to add further sensory exploration when the child gets on and off the attachments. 

Physical 5

Skills

• Whole hand grasp and hand strength are encouraged as the child holds on to the attachments while swinging.
• The glider swing provides opportunities to practice foot placement, weight shifting and reciprocal leg movements, all of which help increase core strength.
• Balance reaction is heightened as children learn to correct changes in movement while on the attachments.

Play Ideas

• A caregiver can motivate the child to pump his legs harder and swing higher by asking him to touch the caregiver’s hands with his feet. Note: Height of swinging should be in moderation as it is an indoor doorway swing.
• A caregiver can attach toys to the removable bar on the baby swing for the child to reach and extend arms to play while swinging.
• The child can incorporate pretend play while pushing stuffed animals in the swings. This encourages practice in perception and balance. 

Adaptation Ideas

• A caregiver can stabilize and help support the child by using a pillow or blanket to help them sit up in the hammock.
• A caregiver can mark the attachments with weight restrictions for easy access when playing. 

Social/Emotional 5

Skills

• Children can learn turn taking and patience when waiting to use the Rainy Day Therapist Kit.
• Children can feel a sense of accomplishment and promote self-esteem learning how to master the attachments.

Play Ideas

• A caregiver can sit out all attachments to review with the child and have him make an individual choice on which attachment he wants to use.
• A caregiver and child can sing a song as the child swings or play the child’s favorite music. The melodies of the music can assist further with the soothing rhythm of swinging.
• Utilizing the Rainy Day Therapist Kit in the home could be a good way for a caregiver to introduce the strap swing and trapeze bar commonly seen at playgrounds and may ease anxiety of public playgrounds.  

Adaptation Ideas

• A caregiver can set up yoga mats or kids’ play mats in the doorway to add further sensory exploration when the child gets on and off the attachments.