The Tummy Time Sun Rays
Purpose
Helping your child feel strong and steady starts with their core and shoulder muscles. This activity encourages them to lift their head and chest while playing on the floor. This position, called 'prone,' is great for building the strength they need for sitting at a desk later. By reaching out to place beans on the sun’s rays, they are also working on their hand-eye coordination and precision. Using their 'pincer' fingers to grab tiny beans builds the fine motor control needed for holding a pencil. Plus, it is a fun way to practice staying focused while working on a big, bright piece of art together!
Activity Steps
Steps:
- Draw a large sun with long rays on construction paper using your markers.
- Use masking tape to secure the paper firmly to the floor so it does not move.
- Squeeze small dots of glue along the lines of the sun’s rays.
- Ask your child to lie on their stomach on the floor, facing the paper.
- Place a paper plate with a small pile of beans right in front of them.
- Encourage your child to lift their chest and head up high while they reach for the beans.
- Have them use their thumb and pointer finger to pick up one bean at a time.
- Challenge them to press the beans into the glue dots to decorate the sun.
- Encourage them to switch hands to help both sides of their body get stronger!
Safety Tip:
Choking Hazard: Beans are small objects that can be a safety risk. Always supervise your child during play and ensure all beans are collected afterward.
