Resistant Frame Weave
Purpose
This activity gives the hands a wonderful workout. It uses heavy work input to build muscle strength. Pushing the fuzzy sticks through the tight, sticky frame builds force control. Your child practices using both hands together. One hand stabilizes the cardboard while the working hand pushes and twists. This weaving motion helps improve coordination and visual motor skills. These are key for eventual handwriting readiness.
Activity Steps
Steps:
- Adult Prep: Cut a sturdy square from the cardboard. Use the masking tape to wrap a dense, continuous layer around the entire perimeter of the square, sticky side OUT. Press the sticky tape firmly onto the cardboard base.
- Place the cardboard frame on a stable table. Encourage your child to bend and straighten the pipe cleaners until they are stiff sticks.
- Ask your child to hold the cardboard frame firmly steady with their helper hand to stabilize the base.
- Using the working hand, aim the pipe cleaner tip at the narrow, sticky frame edge. Use a strong push and a twisting motion to thread the pipe cleaner all the way through the sticky tape layer.
- Continue this pushing and weaving action until the entire sticky frame is filled with colorful, rigid pipe cleaners.
Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Pipe cleaners are small materials and pose a choking hazard for children who still place objects in their mouths. Adults must handle the scissors during preparation.
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