Sturdy Newspaper Bridge
- Ages:
- School age (6+)
- Play time:
- 20 to 30 minutes
- Setup:
- 2 minutes
- Where:
- Table
Why it helps
This activity is a fantastic way to boost your child's hand strength and problem-solving skills! As they roll the newspaper into tight tubes, they are working on using both hands together. Designing the bridge encourages them to think ahead and plan their steps. It is a wonderful project that teaches focus and patience. You will love seeing their excitement as they test how many blocks their bridge can carry!
Steps
- Lay a sheet of newspaper flat on a table.
- Start at one corner and roll the paper into a very tight, thin tube.
- Use a small piece of masking tape to secure the end.
- Repeat this until you have at least ten strong paper tubes.
- Place two stacks of blocks about six inches apart on the table.
- Tape your paper tubes together to create a flat platform.
- Lay the platform across the blocks to form a bridge.
- Gently place more blocks on top of the bridge to see how much weight it can hold!
Safety tip: Adult supervision is recommended to help with the building and design of the bridge. Be careful with any small tape pieces that might stick to other surfaces.
Make it easier
- Roll each sheet around a pencil to get it started, then slide the pencil out.
- Make five tubes instead of ten, and set the block stacks closer together.
- Start each roll for your child and let them finish rolling and taping.
Make it harder
- Move the block stacks farther apart and see whether the bridge still holds.
- Build a second bridge from loose rolls, then compare which one holds more blocks.
- Add side rails with more tubes, or design a bridge with two layers.
What to watch for
- Notice whether your child keeps the roll tight by pressing with the fingertips, or lets it loosen as it grows.
- Watch how your child tears and places the tape while holding the roll closed with the other hand.
- If inky fingers bother your child, roll plain paper instead, or wear thin gloves for rolling.
Where this helps in daily life
Rolling paper tightly and holding it while taping use the same two-handed control kids need to roll up a drawing to carry home, wrap a sandwich in foil, and tape a school project together.
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.
