Felt Roll & Clip Match
Purpose
This activity strengthens the tiny muscles inside the hand. It helps your child develop crucial bilateral coordination skills. Rolling the felt tightly around the pencil requires sustained effort and stability. Using the paper clips builds a strong, precise pincer grasp. This grasp is key for later tasks like buttoning and pencil control. Your child also practices visual skills by matching the colors. Precision clipping improves overall hand dexterity, focusing on the thumb and index finger working together.
Activity Steps
Steps:
- Use markers to draw a simple dot on one felt strip and a matching dot on one index card.
- Place the felt strip flat. Roll the felt tightly around the pencil to create a dense, resistant cylinder.
- Remove the pencil carefully while holding the felt roll firmly with your helper hand to keep the shape.
- Pick up the paper clip using a strong pincer grasp (thumb and index finger).
- Slide the paper clip onto the felt cylinder to secure the roll. This requires effort and focus.
- Set the finished felt scroll onto the Index Card that has the matching marker dot. Repeat for all felt strips.
Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Small paper clips and felt scraps pose a potential choking hazard for children who still place objects in their mouths. Ensure all materials are collected immediately after play.
