Clip Straightener Stack
Purpose
This activity focuses on heavy work for tiny hands. We use playdough as a resistive base. Unbending the paper clips requires strong bilateral hand use and finger strength. Pushing the straightened wire into the dough strengthens the intrinsic muscles inside the hand. These small muscles are essential for pencil grasp and control. It offers great proprioceptive input, helping your child learn how much force is needed for precision tasks.
Activity Steps
Steps:
- Secure the paper plate on the table. Use your child’s helper hand to stabilize it. Roll the playdough into a long log shape and press it firmly onto the plate to create a resistant base.
- Pick up one paper clip. Encourage your child to use both hands together to pull and bend the paper clip until it is completely straight. This requires concentration and effort.
- Using a precise pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger), push the sharp end of the straightened wire deep into the resistant playdough roll. Continue this process until the plate is full of straight wire posts.
Safety Tip:
Paper clips can become sharp once straightened. Adults must supervise closely to ensure the wires are only used in the playdough and not near the face. Monitor for choking if the child mouths small pieces of playdough.
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