Place & Trace

Place & Trace

Using games in therapy sessions

Place & Trace is a great fun activity that can be used by speech & language therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and special education teachers.  Games can make therapy fun and engaging for the child while the therapist can elicit responses and actions that meet therapy goals. 

Place & Trace

Place & Trace puzzle activity is a puzzle, a stencil, a cookie cutter, a playdough mold, and a color-match activity. The textured chunky pieces (6 each of animals, vehicles, and dinosaurs) fit into three differently themed trays to teach shape recognition, categorization and fine motor dexterity. The 18 fun shapes can also be used for sorting and matching activities, stenciling, clay stamping, and imaginary play. Trays measure 6″ x 8″.

Suggested lesson for Place & Trace

“Today we’re going to play with the Place & Trace activity.” 

“Let’s look at the vehicle shapes. Take the tray and turn it over to dump out all the vehicles.” 

“Let’s sort the pieces. Pick up the orange piece. What does that look like?”

“Its got four wheels along the side and a smokestack. What do you think it is?” 

“A train? It is a Train. Yes, a Train. Pick up the Train and let’s fit it back into the tray.” 

“Look at the shape of the Train. Is there an opening that has the similar shape? The Train has a long, wide shape with a smokestack that sticks up at the front.” 

“Yes, it fits in the opening. The shape matches the Train shape.”

“Let’s look for another shape. Can you find the Rocketship?”

“It’s got a tall shape with two triangle shapes on the side.”

“Yes, the Rocketship is tall. What color is the Rocketship piece?”

“White? Very good, it is white. Let’s fit it back into the tray.”

“Look at the shape of the Rocketship. Yes, it is a tall shape with two triangle shapes or fins on either side.” 

“Yes, it fits in the opening. The shape matches the Rocket ship.”

Switch it up and ask ” where is the shape that flies in the sky?”