Thank you to Diane Novatnik, OTR for sharing recommendations on perceptual apps from Myfirstapps.com .

Here are her  great recommendations:

 Basic Matrix – A free app for iPad. The activity requires visual discrimination by color and image matching. Designed for ages 4+.

 Matrix Game – Also for iPad and free. This app requires visual discrimination skills of shape and designs within the shape. Recommended for 6+ year old skill level.

My Mosaic – For iPad and free. This app requires visual perceptual skills of spatial discrimination and visual matching. Recommended for 4-year-old.

There are many non-electronic activities that provide the these same kinds of activity. If you have students who are capable and need work on motor control, choosing the non-electronic versions of these activities may be the activity of choice. For some students who can not manipulate but can slide pieces to the correct location, this app make these types of activities accessible.   Using a stylus with the app also would provide practice for manipulating crayons and pencils for drawing tasks.

When considering the Mosaic app, I might prefer the use of the app on my iPad using an easel and a stylus to promote wrist extension, upright sitting, improved visual viewing when comparing the non-electronic version.  I often used a magnetic mosaic activity that required the use of a wand to place the pieces. That non-electronic mosiac could not be placed upright, losing some nice positioning possibilities important for some students.

Those students needing refinement of motor skills might be best suited to work on 3D mosaic tasks requiring manipulation. Considering the student needs, skills and interests and matching them to an activity is the creative and problem solving ability  therapists and teachers are great at. Therapists are especially suited to look at the physical and sensory needs of their clients and are always willing to help!

Wow! Thank you Diane for providing these suggestions! What great finds and all free. I believe you can buy a bundle of My First Apps for $.99 – also a great deal!

My First Apps has more perceptual apps available for ages 1.5 – 6 + years. It is worth checking out their website if you work with students needing perceptual skill development.

Many more possibilities for you OT iTool Kit!

Carol