Open and Close: Zippers, Buttons and Velcro
In pairs, children move through four stations with old clothes (big zippers, chunky buttons, Velcro and snaps) and help each other open and close each item before moving to the next station walking like different animals. It works on fine motor skills for fasteners, helping classmates and the goal of dressing independently.
How to play
- The teacher shows the four stations (hoops) and their clothes: zip-up jackets, vests with chunky buttons, Velcro sneakers and coats with snaps (2 min).
- Teach the trick for each fastener with a phrase: “Zipper: hook it at the bottom and pull up,” “Button: slide it sideways into its little house,” “Velcro: scratch, stick and press” (2 min).
- In pairs at a station: one holds the item and the other opens and closes it, then switch (5 min).
- To change stations, walk like the animal the teacher names: kangaroo, bear, crab (1 min).
- Final parade: each pair puts on an item from their last station with the fasteners done and shows it in the circle before returning it to the basket (2 min).
Rules
- Try it yourself first; if it’s tricky, ask your partner for help.
- Open and close the clothes gently, no hard pulling.
- When you change stations, the clothes stay in their hoop.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, use only Velcro and zippers that are already hooked, with the teacher helping at one station.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, use all four stations with chunky buttons.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, they hook the zipper themselves and button smaller buttons on their own smock.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: lay the clothes on a table at the child’s height and start with big Velcro fasteners.
- Autism: always the same station order, and a card showing the trick for each fastener.
- Less hand dexterity: big zipper pulls (a ring or a loop of ribbon) and extra-large buttons.
Learning goals
- Open and close zippers, buttons and Velcro.
- Help a classmate succeed at a task.
- Build independence in getting dressed.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Old clothes with fasteners: 12
- Hoops: 4
- Basket: 1
Teacher tip
Look for small adult or large kids’ sizes, which are easier to handle. Hooking the zipper is the hardest part: show it slowly and from the side so they can see both pieces.
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