Spring-loaded toys are those toys that can be “loaded” by pulling them back. Once you release the toy, it moves forward until the spring has unwound. You may have to search the children’s toy section at K-Mart or Wal-Mart to find good ones. Choose something that will be visually stimulating. For example, we found two heavy plastic cards, one with a pig driver and one with a chicken. Once wound and released, the toys made appropriate pig and chicken sounds as they moved across the table. Participants had as much fun with the sounds as they did with the movement.
Use the toys with a group gathered at a round table. You may need to help participants pull back on the toy to wind it. The activity can involve only the movement of the toys or you can place other items on the table to add interest. Make a bridge from blocks or a cardboard box, place some balloons on the table (ensure there are no latex allergies), or some ping pong balls.
Incorporate names of the participants as the toys are released. “Send the pig over to Gil,” or “Drive that chicken to Mabel’s house.” This activity can also be enhanced with music. Sing “old McDonald’s Farm” or choose a fun CD.
