Felt Slot Feed
- Play time:
- 10 to 15 minutes
- Setup:
- 10 minutes
- Where:
- Table
Why it helps
This activity strengthens the small muscles in the hands by tearing resistant material. It promotes precision and finger control when pushing the paper pieces through the narrow slots.
Steps
- Adult Prep: Cut a felt square to cover the container opening. Glue the felt securely onto the container rim, creating a lid.
- Cut 4 to 6 short, narrow slits (about 1 inch long) into the center of the felt lid. These slits must be tight.
- Give your child a sheet of construction paper. Encourage them to use both hands to tear the paper into small pieces (about stamp-sized).
- Ask your child to hold the container steady with their helper hand to provide proximal stability.
- Challenge them to use a strong finger push to insert one torn paper piece through a narrow felt slot.
- Continue feeding the container until all the torn paper scraps are successfully pushed through the resistant felt slots.
Safety tip: Adult supervision is required when using scissors. The torn paper pieces are small and pose a potential choking hazard for children who still place objects in their mouths.
Make it easier
- Cut the slits longer so the paper slides through with a light push.
- Fold each paper piece in half first so it is stiffer and easier to push.
- Do the tearing yourself so your child's hands are fresh for the pushing.
Make it harder
- Push each piece through using only the pointer finger, then only the middle finger.
- Crumple each piece into a tight ball before pushing it through, which takes more squeeze.
- Name a color and have your child find and post only that color.
What to watch for
- Notice whether your child pushes with one pointed finger or with several fingers bunched together.
- Watch whether the container slides when your child pushes, and whether the helper hand moves to hold it without a reminder.
- If the feel of felt bothers your child, have an adult cut the slits in a plastic lid instead.
Where this helps in daily life
Pushing paper through a tight opening uses the same finger strength kids need for tucking papers into a folder, sliding a note into a pocket, and pushing a sock over the heel.
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.
