Ring Stacks

Its fun to explore different types of ring stacks to use with older children and adults with developmental disabilities. I recently evaluated a young man who uses a lateral grip and it was easier for him to grasp flat donut shapes than 3 dimensional rings.

I wedged the motor to the Sguiggly Wiggly motorized pen inside the noodle  and the sound and vibration helped him to focus on the task and make it more interesting.

The photos show a tall pole ring stack made out of PCV pipe. It is sunk into a coffee can (now old and rusted) to stabilize. I was able to push a swimming noodle over the pipe to add a nicer texture and color. I then taped the additional blue noodle to the top because I wanted it to be higher- to use with the client while standing and then was able to push the motor inside the noodle opening.

You can also use fabric rings as shown in the picture but my client preferred the flat plastic ones. I have made many rings by filling socks with plastic bags and stitching closed. I added that colorful duct tape to a few spots where the noodle ripped.

If you are working with an individual who needs to sit while working, try pushing a dowel or noodle inside a bottle so that the person can grasp the handle with one hand to stabilize while placing rings.

I did a little experimentation with this one- I wedged a small plastic bottle to the top of the plastic tube. This small bottle (sold holding saline water) is filled with water and colorful plastic pieces. I can shake it to get the person's attention.    The person I used it with today LOVED it.

You can purchase a long clear plastic tube to cut up and use in making ring stacks. They are sold in hardware stores to hold long florescent light bulbs. I fill these with colorful objects.

Lastly, I share a photo of a ring stack made by wedging part of a pool noodle into a box. This is a very fast and easy activity to make and you can use cardboard or plastic tubes if you have them available instead of the noodle.

The individuals may then decorate the box with paint, gluing  tissue paper, stickers or contact paper. then when the box gets lost or breaks, its very easy and inexpensive to make a new one.......