Plate Cymbal March
Purpose
This fun craft strengthens the small muscles in the hands needed for cutting and drawing, while the marching activity encourages your child to use both sides of their body together (bilateral coordination) and builds upper body strength.
Activity Steps
Steps:
- Gather two paper plates (one for each hand). Help your child practice using the hole puncher to create 4 to 6 holes around the edges of each plate. Remind them to hold the plate steady with one hand while punching with the other!
- Take three pipe cleaners and twist them together tightly to create one thick, sturdy ‘handle’ for each plate.
- Help your child thread the pipe cleaner handle through two opposing holes on the plate edge. Twist the ends of the pipe cleaner handle securely on the front of the plate so it won’t slip.
- Once both plates have handles, encourage your child to march around the room, clapping the ‘cymbals’ together. Marching helps them integrate both sides of the body while providing great sensory input.
Safety Tip:
Always supervise children when using the hole puncher to prevent them from putting fingers inside the mechanism or attempting to punch clothes.
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