Modelling with Meccano

Keeping things interesting for J whilst trying to improve his manual dexterity and co-ordination is a daily task.  Finding items and activities that appeal to him is all important (we have used therapy putty many time in the past, blogged about his Hama beading and he is keen to Lego whenever he can).

We were lucky enough to be sent some meccano for J to review.  He had looked on the meccano UK website and chosen a Gears of War Helicopter - King Raven which was the model he was keen to assemble as soon as he set eyes on it.  Meccano was a good choice as it has small parts to deal with, over 300 in this set, and clear instructions to follow which help J with his planning skills.

True to form, J laid out all the pieces and inspected the manual to start with.  Then building commenced.  This was a task which took us a few days to complete and was a collaboration where J was project managing me when his dexterity let him down.  I am pleased to report, however, that towards the end of the build, J was able to complete most of the "structural assembly" himself.

J opened the plastic bags containing the parts with scissors and what follows is a montage of the build... and the comments are from J.

That's looking like it should...

These are a bit fiddly but the slots are good.

Nearly got the front wheel attached.

What's the next step?

It's looking good.

This is easy to follow...

...this is a bit more challenging!

It's looking like we're nearly done.

Ta dah!

This is bigger than I expected.

J loved working, over a number of days, on the model building and is looking forward to assembling the Space Chaos Heart of Darkness when he gets the chance!  He's particularly keen as it has "real life, working lights".   This set looked rather a challenge at the outset (having many pieces and almost 70 instructions) but J said of the whole undertaking "It was amazing and all my pals will be shocked at the size of the model!"

Disclosure - We were sent the meccano for free but these are our own views and pictures.  No fee has been paid for this blogpost.  Many thanks to Liz and Meccano UK.

Helping Hands with Hama Beads

J has worked a lot on trying to master fine motor skills.  Because of the extreme hypermobility of his fingers, he finds handwriting a real chore and his stamina in much reduced.  Working with occupational therapists, he has done loads of exercises to assist his motor skills - starting at gross motor which feeds down to fine motor - using therapy putty, stress balls, scissors and so on.  But, one of the activities that J chooses for himself, and has done for years, is making Hama bead designs.  We have a houseful of them.

In view of this, it was a delight to be invited to take our pick from the wonderful range on offer at Craft Merrily.  So, J had a look and chose the UFO set as he was keen to get his hands on some new coloured glow in the dark beads. The set arrived in the post and we saved it for a special activity afternoon. 

First of all, J checked the contents, luckily they were all present and correct.  Next, he decided which model to attempt... and went for the rocket.  So, the bead bag was opened and the beads were sorted into 'old' glow in the dark colour and 'new' colours.  Then beading began.

Hama patterns are great to get J focusing on planning what goes where and hand eye co-ordination is a major part of the task.  He spends time considering what bead to use and is very good at following the pattern.  Once the desired pattern has been made, the dangerous walk to the ironing board begins... 

Once safely left on the ironing board, it's over to me for the delicate task of using the ironing paper and a hot, dry iron to ensure all the beads fuse together.  There's nothing worse than a loose or floppy bead, apparently!















When the beads cooled, the paper was peeled off to reveal the bead masterpiece.  It was left to 'charge' its glow in the darkness on the windowsill and, then, removed from the peg board.


The final stages - and we have lift off! 
This is a great set, with a number of models to make.  When they're all done, there's a frame and thread to use to hang them from.  J is hoping to have them all done in time for Hallowe'en and, if there are any beads left, he's already planning a spooky spider web design with the hexagonal template.

We try to integrate J's therapy into his learning each day by using many techniques, products and strategies.  Hama beading doesn't feel to him like he's doing therapy and, even better, at the end of a session he has something to show for his efforts.

Thanks to Merry for sending us this to try.