Corner Fold & Weave Push
- Play time:
- 15 to 20 minutes
- Setup:
- 5 minutes
- Where:
- Table
Why it helps
Tearing index cards and folding small corners works the small muscles of the hands that support holding a pencil and buttoning. Pushing a pipe cleaner through the snug hole in each folded point takes a firm, careful push and fingertip control. Doing the tear, fold, and thread steps in order builds planning and sequencing.
Steps
- Invite your child to tear index cards into pieces about the size of a postage stamp, using both hands.
- Show your child how to fold one corner of a piece over, then fold it over again to make a thick point.
- Before threading, poke a hole through each folded point with a sharp pencil. Put the finished pieces in the plastic container.
- Fold over the sharp tip at one end of a pipe cleaner to make a needle. Bend the other end into a small loop so the pieces stay on.
- Ask your child to hold one folded piece with the helper hand and push the pipe cleaner needle through the hole in its point.
- Keep threading pieces onto the pipe cleaner until it is full. Your child can slide them off and thread them again.
Safety tip: Fold over the sharp wire tip of the pipe cleaner before play. Keep the pencil with you, since it is only for poking the holes.
Make it easier
- Tear bigger pieces, about the size of a playing card, so they are easier to hold and fold.
- Fold each piece just once so the point is thinner to push through.
- Wrap tape around the pipe cleaner tip to make a firmer needle.
Make it harder
- Bend the full pipe cleaner into a bracelet and twist the ends together.
- Fold three times for a thicker point that takes more push.
- Hold each folded piece in the air with the helper hand instead of resting it on the table.
What to watch for
- Notice how your child presses each fold flat. Running a thumb along the crease shows good finger control.
- Watch whether the helper hand keeps a firm hold on the small piece while the other hand pushes the needle.
- If tearing index cards is frustrating, switch to thinner paper and keep the folding and threading.
Where this helps in daily life
Folding small pieces and pushing something through them use the finger control kids need to fold a letter, push a button through its hole, and lace a shoe.
Need personalized support?
While these activities are great for home practice, nothing replaces the guidance of a licensed therapist. If you are in Irvine, CA or the Orange County area and have concerns about your child's Bilateral Hand Use, we invite you to connect with us.
Contact Tumble N' Dots Therapy →These activities are for home practice and don't replace the guidance of a licensed therapist.
