Resistance Fold & Tweeze Art
Purpose
This fun activity works your child's hands in two important ways. First, tearing and folding the thick paper requires strong, heavy work input. This deep pressure (proprioception) helps build hand and forearm strength needed for tool use. Second, using the tweezers to place the tiny sequins onto the finished folds is an excellent workout for the pincer grasp. This precision action strengthens the finger muscles crucial for holding a pencil and managing small buttons.
Activity Steps
Steps:
- Give your child the index cards. Encourage them to use both hands to tear the cards into small, rough, 2-inch squares.
- Take one torn square. Use strong finger force to fold it tightly in half, then fold it again to create a stiff, resistant 3D shape.
- Draw a simple line or shape onto the cardboard base using the liquid glue bottle. Encourage controlled squeezing.
- Press the stiff, folded cardboard shapes firmly onto the wet glue line. Use maximum force to create a stable, textured sculpture or wall.
- Place the pile of sequins nearby. Hold the tweezers like a pencil in your dominant hand.
- Use the tweezers to carefully pick up one tiny sequin. Transfer it to the cardboard structure.
- Press the sequin onto the resistant folds to decorate your 3D art. Continue this until all the folded pieces are covered in sparkle!
Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Sequins and small, crumpled paper pieces are very small objects and pose a significant choking hazard for children who still place items in their mouths.
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