Modifying toys for greater engagement

This post was written by Amy Hodel, OTD, OTR/L, Parkview Pediatric Rehabilitation.  

Play is important for children of all ages and abilities. Participation in play activities supports a child's motor, sensory, cognitive and emotional skills, serving as a catalyst for meaningful experiences. Although many toys can be used by a wide variety of children with different abilities and in different stages, making some simple modifications to your age-appropriate toys can make them more accessible.
 

The importance of modifying toys

Many toys used during playtime require dexterous finger movements, grip strength and precise coordination. For some children, this can make certain toys challenging to use.

Thankfully, there’s a simple modification: adding a jellybean switch. This quick and easy modification makes it easier for children to turn on and off their toys, which may eliminate play deprivation, improve cooperative play with peers and allow for improved play independence that was not previously possible.
 

Ready, set, modify!

Follow these three simple steps to add a jellybean switch to your toys.

Step 1: Gather the necessary materials. 

To begin, you’ll need the toy you want to modify, as well as a few simple items to make your modifications.

• A toy – Consider toys that are developmentally appropriate and motivating for your child. Toys that can be easily modified have an on-off switch. For example, a fun activity is a bubble machine. 
   
• Jelly bean switch – A jelly bean switch is a large button that reduces the need for precise fine motor skills. The switch activates the toy instead of using the tiny on-off switch.  
   
• Battery interrupter – A battery interrupter is a tool that will stop the electrical current from going directly to the toy, enabling the power to flow to the jelly bean switch instead. Battery interrupters can be purchased for most sizes of batteries (i.e., AA, AAA, C and D sizes).
   
• Screwdriver – A screwdriver is required to remove the back plate to access the batteries of the desired toy. 

Step 2: Reconstruct the toy. 

Now, it’s time to make your adjustments. Follow these five steps to add your battery interrupter and jelly bean switch.

1. Use the screwdriver to remove the screws and plate that covers the toy's batteries. 
    
2. Remove one battery from the toy. It does not matter which battery is removed. 
    
3. Insert the metal plate of the battery interrupter against the positive terminal where the battery used to be. 
    
4. Return the battery to its terminal, flush against the battery interrupter. 
    
5. Plug the jelly bean switch into the port of the battery interpreter. 
    

Step 3: Play!

Your modified toy is ready to be played with. Here are a few ideas of how you can get the most out of your child’s playtime.

• Inspire opportunities to foster moments of shared attention between the toy and other peers. 
   
• Encourage opportunities for communication by modeling "ready, set, go!" while activating the toy. 
   
• Foster opportunities for back-and-forth exchanges through turn-taking and sharing with peers. 

If your child has trouble accessing age-appropriate toys, remember that modifications are available to help them engage with their toys. This is a simple modification you can make to meet your child where they are to promote appropriate and meaningful playtime.