Empower Your Child’s Independence with Dressing Frame: Push Buttons (Snaps)

As parents, we all want to see our children grow and develop their skills. One of the most essential skills that a child can learn is independence. Encouraging your child’s independence can help build their confidence and self-esteem, and one way to do that is through dressing activities. Dressing frames, specifically those with push buttons (snaps), can be a fun and interactive way for children to learn how to dress themselves. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of using dressing frames to empower your child’s independence.

Dressing Frame: Push Buttons (Snaps)

Suitable Age: 2 1/2+

Materials: 

• The Velcro dressing frame

Direct Aim:

• To remove and fasten push buttons (snaps) independently

Indirect Aim:

• Concentration
• Hand coordination
• Independence
• Refinement of the muscles in the hand
• Fine motor skills
• Order of sequence

Presentation/ Child instruction: 

1. Once seated, begin with the top push button (snap), and snap it open by lifting with one hand while using the opposite hand (stable hand) to hold down the fabric of the dressing frame.
2. After lifting two snaps, invite the child to try.
3. Once all snaps have been opened, using two hands, open the fabric. You will do this by using two hands to lift one side open (grasping at the two corners of the fabric) and then moving onto the other side of the fabric. Be sure to remember the economy of movement when opening the frame (the last side open will be the first to close). This will show the child that once the snaps have been removed, the fabric will open easily.
4. Once the child has visualized you opening the frame, bring the fabric back together again in the same format. Now allow the child to open and close the frame.
5. Once again, begin to fasten the snaps, beginning with the top. Slowly align the top portion of the snap to the bottom portion of the snap, and slowly press down using the middle and index fingers, being sure to bring the child’s attention to the snapping sound made when it is closed.
6. After you have snapped two together, offer the child the opportunity to continue.
7. Once all the snaps have been closed, the child may be given the chance to complete the frame again independently.

Point of interest:

• The noise from the snaps, the colorful fabric, becoming independent

Control of Error: 

• Not aligning snaps properly before pressing to close
• Unable to open/close snaps
• Pulling fabric without holding down one side with the stable hand
• Difficulty following the sequence

>> Read more: Empower Your Child’s Independence with Dressing Frame: Belt Buckles