Like many pediatric occupational therapists, I have become OBSESSED with the mini erasers that are often hiding in the bins at Target. I practically sprint to the dollar section each time I enter the building, searching for new themes that might have been re-stocked since my last visit!

Not only are these mini erasers ridiculously charming, they are also extremely versatile. I use them during my sessions to build a range of important skills. Their small size encourages fine motor skill development and the variety of themes available keeps things exciting all year long!

Here are just a few of my favorite OT-approved ways to use them:

 

1. Word Spacing

Children benefit from visual cues in order to promote proper spacing between words. In addition to using adapted paper during writing activities, I also like to use mini erasers to support this skill! Have the child place a mini eraser between each word in their sentence. This can be done simultaneously while writing, or it can be used as a self-check strategy after writing. If the erasers fit between the words without covering up any letters, their spacing is correct. If they can fit multiple erasers between each word, their spaces are too big.

 

2. In-Hand Manipulation

Mini erasers are the perfect manipulative for working on the in-hand manipulation skill called translation. Have the child pick up an eraser with their fingers and hide it in the palm of their hand (finger-to-palm translation). Then instruct them to use their thumb to bring the eraser out to their fingertips (palm-to-finger translation). They can sort the erasers into small containers, or “feed” them to a tennis ball munchy monster. My students love feeding the monsters so much that they don’t even realize the workout that their little hands are getting! To increase the level of difficulty, have the child perform this activity while holding multiple erasers in their hand at a time.

 

3. Pattern Copying

Use the mini erasers to create different patterns and then have the child copy them. This is a great visual perceptual activity that can be made harder by having the child recreate the patterns from memory. To do this, show them a pattern for 5-10 seconds, then hide it while they try to replicate.

 

 

4. Sorting with Tongs

One of my all-time favorite ways to engage with mini erasers is to pick them up with tongs. Tongs are the perfect utensil for building intrinsic hand strength and developing a mature tripod grasp. I like to spread out some erasers on a table and have the child pick them up with tongs to collect them. This can also be done on the floor to allow for some extra movement opportunities!

 

5. Plastic Egg Writing

I use plastic egg toys ALL. YEAR. LONG! Put an eraser in each egg and then hide them around the room. First the child finds an egg, then they write down what they found inside. To grade this activity up for older children, challenge them to write a story that includes all of the mini eraser words.

 

6. Building Letters & Shapes

This one is self-explanatory! Mini erasers make for a fun multi-sensory prewriting or handwriting activity. Use them to build letters, shapes, or place along a line. You can create a paper and pencil template for the child to build on top of, or go without.

 

7. Eraser Mazes

Scatter erasers evenly on top of a blank piece of paper. Choose a “start” spot at one edge of the paper and a “finish” spot at the other. The child must navigate their pencil from start to finish without bumping any of the erasers! This works on visual motor control and fine motor precision.

 

8. Sensory Bin Play

Bury erasers in a sensory bin and then dig for the hidden treasure! After, count how many of each mini eraser was found and write it down. This is a great way to sneak in some number writing practice. For an added challenge, try the activity with vision occluded. This forces the child to rely on their tactile sense (rather than their visual sense) to find the erasers among the sensory bin material!

 

9. Tower Stacking

Stack the mini erasers one by one into a tower (hello grasping skills, fine motor precision, and gradation of force!) They can stack using just their fingers, or use tongs to make the task more difficult. Have them do multiple trials to see if they can make their next stack taller than the last, or add in a timer to see how many they can stack in 30 seconds!

 

10. DIY Activity Boards

If you have access to a color copier, this one is an absolute game-changer! Arrange the mini erasers directly onto the glass of the copying machine (be sure you are placing them in the area that will be scanned) then cover with a blank sheet of paper. Make your copy, then laminate for durability and easy cleaning. You will now have a DIY matching activity game board! Have the child place the erasers directly on top of the corresponding eraser images on the page. What a fun way to work on visual scanning and visual discrimination skills!

 

Now that you have plenty of OT-approved ideas, head to your nearest Target ASAP and grab yourself a set! Just be aware that your first bag of mini erasers will certainly not be your last.