Excellerations® Dressing Boards – Set of 6

Description

This comprehensive set of six dressing boards gives young children hands-on practice with essential clothing fasteners in a comfortable, pressure-free environment. Each 9-inch by 12-inch board focuses on a specific skill: lacing, tying, snapping, buttoning, buckling, and zipping. Made from durable, latex-free vinyl with sturdy backing, these boards withstand repeated use while remaining easy to clean with just a damp cloth.

The bright colors (blue, green, orange, purple, red, and yellow) naturally draw children’s attention and make skill practice feel more like play than work. Rather than struggling with actual clothing during the learning process, children can master these fundamental abilities at their own pace using these dedicated practice boards.

Key Features

Each board targets different aspects of fine motor development and hand-eye coordination. The lacing board strengthens pincer grip and bilateral coordination, while the tying board develops the complex finger movements needed for shoelaces and drawstrings. Snapping, buttoning, and buckling boards build finger strength and precision, and the zipping board teaches the coordinated motion needed for jackets and bags.

The vinyl construction makes these boards particularly practical for families. They resist stains, wipe clean easily, and hold up to enthusiastic practice sessions. The stiff backing prevents frustrating bending or warping that could interfere with learning.

How Homeschoolers Can Use This Product

Building Practical Life Skills

These dressing boards align perfectly with Montessori-inspired practical life activities that many homeschooling families value. Children gain genuine independence as they master skills they’ll use daily throughout their lives. Start with the snapping and buttoning boards for younger children, then progress to the more complex lacing and tying boards as coordination improves.

Fine Motor Development Activities

Use these boards as part of your child’s daily fine motor practice routine. Set up a rotation system where children spend 10-15 minutes with different boards throughout the week. This systematic approach builds the hand strength and coordination needed for writing, cutting, and other academic tasks.

Multi-Age Learning Opportunities

Older siblings can help younger ones with these boards, creating natural teaching moments and building family bonds. A 7-year-old who has mastered buttoning can guide a 3-year-old through the process, reinforcing their own skills while developing patience and leadership abilities.

Cross-Curricular Connections

Incorporate these boards into various subject areas throughout your homeschool day. During math time, count the buttons or snaps. Practice patterns by alternating which holes to lace. Use color recognition with the bright board colors during science or art lessons. Story time becomes more engaging when children can practice the same skills characters use in books about getting dressed.

Special Needs Support

These boards work exceptionally well for children with developmental delays or special needs. The large, clear practice areas and durable construction accommodate repeated use and varying ability levels. Children can work at their own pace without the pressure of needing to get dressed for an outing.

Lesson Extensions and Skills Integration

Create “dressing races” where children time themselves completing each board, building both skills and confidence. Set up stations around your learning space where children rotate through different boards during designated practice times. Use the boards as calming activities during transition periods or when children need a break from more demanding academic work.

Practical Implementation Tips

Store the boards in an easily accessible basket or bin so children can choose their practice independently. Consider laminating simple instruction cards showing the steps for each skill. Create a progress chart where children can mark their improvements, building motivation and tracking development over time.

These boards work well as part of morning routines, helping children practice valuable skills while parents prepare for the day’s lessons. They also serve as excellent quiet time activities when siblings need different activity levels.