Sticky Sludge Squeeze
Purpose
This fun activity provides great heavy work input for little hands. Squeezing the bulb of the eyedropper against the resistance of the thick oat mixture strengthens the intrinsic muscles and improves pincer grasp. Working on a vertical surface also encourages proper wrist position. Finally, aiming the dropper requires strong eye-hand coordination and visual motor skills necessary for drawing and writing.
Activity Steps
Steps:
- Mix about half a cup of oats with a small amount of water in the plastic container. Stir until you have a thick, resistant, soupy mixture (the ‘sludge’).
- Secure the construction paper vertically onto a wall or door using masking tape. This is your target canvas.
- Tear off several small pieces of masking tape. Place them on the paper, sticky side facing OUT, to create a simple shape or path.
- Hold the eyedropper using your thumb and pointer finger. Squeeze the bulb hard to draw up the resistant oat sludge.
- Stabilize the paper with your helper hand. Aim the dropper at the sticky tape targets.
- Squeeze the dropper forcefully to release the thick sludge onto the sticky tape. Continue this until all the sticky spots are covered.
Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Ensure the child only uses the mixture and eyedropper as intended. Oats pose a potential choking hazard if ingested.
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