You will need:
- 1 Jumbo Straw (Smoothie Straw)
- 1 Large Straw
- Tape
- Scissors
- Sticker or Fun Picture (Optional)
Instructions: Cut about 1/3 of the smoothie straw off and tape one end closed. This is where I stuck 2 Cookie Monster stickers back to back. Place the taped off smoothie straw onto a regular straw and have your toddler blow and ‘shoot’ the smoothie straw at targets! This is a super fun and effective way to get your toddler using their oral motor skills in a way that is benefitial. Just using a straw regularly in their daily lives can aid in their ability to lip seal, retract their tongues, swallow consecutively, use correct jaw position, and so much more! I highly recommend cups with lids and straws for your toddlers and kiddos!
Alternative to plastic: We just happened to have these straws already in the back of the pantry, but if you are conscious of your impact on the planet don’t fret! You can also create this out of recycled straws (clean them from your daily iced coffee), or a reusable straw and a piece of paper rolled into a tube the size of the smoothie straw and taped off.
Kaitlyn Brynae 