Spotlight on resources: Dycem… the ‘grip all’ solution for the classroom and home!
OTs just love to problem solve… and in pretty much every OT’s tool kit, you’ll find a roll of dycem. Dycem works on most surfaces and is completely reusable. It can be used in so many ways and for so many purposes, but here are just a few…
Fidgety feet and bottoms… Put a square of dycem on a foot block, the floor and/or on a slippery seat, and Bob’s your uncle, your child can sit still to concentrate on whatever they’re doing at the table.
A ruler that moves when you try to draw a straight line… This is just so annoying. Glue a strip of dycem along the bottom of the ruler, and the problem just disappears.
Computer keyboards… a doddle.
Slipping books or paper that’s on an angled surface… Cut a square of dycem and place it on the angled surface, no need for clue. Its non-slip magic will keep it there and stop your child’s book from sliding off.
Plates and mugs… this is what it's typically known for, so worthy of a mention just because. Might be handy in the dining room but at home too for opening containers (and jam jars).
The list goes on…
If you buy it in a roll, you can cut it to the shape or size you need it. You can draw on it to be sure to have an exact cutting line and use regular household scissors to do the job.
And to add to its brilliance, you can wash it with a squirt of washing up liquid and warm water if it gets covered in fluff or loses its grip, and it’s ‘hold everything’ superpower will be as good as new!
Emma Puttock
Children’s Occupational Therapist