Ribbon Slot Stuffing

Ages:: Preschoolers (3 to 5)
Play time:: 10 to 15 minutes
Setup:: 5 minutes
Where:: Table

Why it helps

Folding each piece of ribbon and poking it through a snug slit builds strength and control in the small finger muscles used for coloring, cutting, and dressing. Your child learns how hard to push so the ribbon goes in without the container sliding. One hand holds the container steady while the other does the fine finger work, which builds two-handed teamwork.

Steps

Before play, tape a piece of cardboard over the top of the container. Use the scissor tip to cut 3 slits in it, each about 1.5 inches long.
Cut the ribbon into pieces about 4 inches long and set them in a pile on the table.
Ask your child to hold the container steady on the table with the helper hand.
Show your child how to fold a ribbon piece in half and push the folded end into a slit with the pointer finger.
Ask your child to keep poking until the whole piece slips through the slit. The thumb and other fingertips can help.
Keep stuffing until the pile is gone. Then peel back the cardboard, pour the ribbon out, and play again.

Safety tip: Keep the scissors with you and out of reach after prep. Ribbon pieces are not for the mouth, so stay close while your child plays.

Make it easier

Cut one slit a little longer so the ribbon goes in with less pushing.
Cut the ribbon into shorter pieces, about 2 inches long, so each one goes in with just a few pokes.
Hold the container steady for your child so both of their hands can work on the ribbon.

Make it harder

Gather three ribbon pieces in the palm, then post them one at a time without putting any down.
Sort the ribbon by color, posting each color through its own slit.
Push the ribbon through with the pinky or ring finger instead of the pointer finger.

What to watch for

Notice how your child folds each piece. Folding it with the fingertips in the air takes more control than pressing it flat on the table.
Watch the pushing finger. A steady push with the pointer finger or thumb shows good force control.
If the feel of ribbon bothers your child, post strips of paper or fabric instead.

Where this helps in daily life

Crumpling small pieces and pushing them through a tight opening build the fingertip strength kids use to push buttons through buttonholes, stuff a hat into a coat sleeve, and fill a gift bag with tissue.

These activities are for home practice and don't replace the guidance of a licensed therapist.