Tight Band Tunnel Clip
Purpose
This fun building activity is designed to strengthen the small muscles in your child's hands. Stretching the tight pipe cleaner bands provides wonderful proprioceptive input and deep pressure, which can be very regulating for the nervous system. The main challenge is squeezing the clothespins open, which directly builds finger strength and endurance needed for tasks like cutting and drawing. Holding the cardboard base steady with the helper hand is essential. This stability (proximal stability) supports the precision needed for clipping and aiming.
Activity Steps
Steps:
- Adult Prep: Twist 4 to 5 pipe cleaners tightly into small, dense resistance loops. Use masking tape to secure the paper roll upright onto the center of the cardboard base.
- Secure the loops by clipping them firmly onto the top edge of the paper roll using a few clothespins. Ensure the bands are taut and resistant.
- Challenge your child to sit stably and hold the cardboard base firmly steady with their helper hand to stabilize the work.
- Pick up a clothespin. Encourage a strong, full squeeze to open it wide.
- Aim the open clothespin and clip it onto the paper roll, positioning it directly underneath one of the tight pipe cleaner bands. Feel the effort!
- Repeat the squeezing and clipping until the entire visible surface of the paper roll is covered in colorful clothespins.
Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Pipe cleaners and clothespins are small objects and pose a significant choking hazard for children who still place objects in their mouths. Ensure materials are collected immediately after play.
