Felt Tunnel Push
Purpose
This activity is fantastic for developing controlled hand strength and proximal stability. Pushing the pom-pom through the tight felt tunnel provides heavy work input (proprioception). This sensory feedback helps the child gauge how much force is needed. Holding the base steady with the non-dominant hand builds important shoulder and core stability (proximal stability). This is crucial for controlling fine motor movements like handwriting or buttoning. The entire process also refines aiming and eye-hand coordination, requiring focused effort to push straight down through the narrow tube.
Activity Steps
Steps:
- Adult Prep: Cut a strip of felt. Glue it tightly around a short paper roll. Secure the roll standing vertically onto the cardboard base.
- Place a pom-pom just inside the top opening of the felt tunnel. Hold the cardboard base steady with your helper hand.
- Pick up a craft stick. Aim the stick straight down at the pom-pom.
- Use a strong, controlled push to drive the stick down. Force the pom-pom all the way through the resistant felt tunnel.
- The pom-pom should pop out the bottom onto the table. Repeat this process until all the pom-poms are pushed through.
Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Pom-poms are small objects and pose a choking hazard for young children. Adults should handle the scissors during preparation.
