Foam Monster Feed
- Play time:
- 5 to 10 minutes
- Setup:
- 10 minutes
- Where:
- Table
Why it helps
This activity strengthens the small muscles in the hand and improves dexterity. It requires the child to use both hands together effectively: one to stabilize and one to push with precision.
Steps
- An adult should cut out a large, fun shape from the Foam Sheet and Glue it securely onto the Plastic Container (this is the monster's face).
- Use Markers to draw a face. Then, carefully poke 10 to 15 small holes through the Foam and Container. The holes should be slightly smaller than the Pipe Cleaners for good resistance.
- Place the container on the table. Ask your child to use one hand to firmly hold the container steady (proximal stability).
- Challenge your child to use their dominant hand to pick up one Pipe Cleaner (the "monster snack") using a precise Pincer Grasp.
- Encourage them to push the pipe cleaner straight into one of the resistant holes to 'feed' the monster. The pushing provides great heavy work for their hands.
Safety tip: Adult supervision is required. Pipe cleaners can have sharp ends after cutting or pose a mild choking hazard if put in the mouth. Ensure the bucket is stable before the child pushes the materials.
Make it easier
- Make the holes a bit bigger than the pipe cleaners so they slide in with a gentle push.
- Use thick, chunky pipe cleaners, which are stiffer and easier to aim into the holes.
- Set the monster on a damp towel or a non-slip mat so it does not slide.
Make it harder
- Draw a colored ring around each hole and feed it only the pipe cleaner of the same color.
- Feed the monster with the non-dominant hand.
- Ask your child to pull each snack back out with just the thumb and pointer finger.
What to watch for
- Notice whether your child holds the pipe cleaner close to the end going into the hole, or far back where it bends more.
- Watch whether the helper hand stays on the container the whole time or comes off to help push.
- If the texture of pipe cleaners bothers your child, feed the monster plastic straws through bigger holes instead.
Where this helps in daily life
Holding a container still while pushing something into it helps kids put a straw in a cup, post a letter, and drop toys into a bin with a small opening.
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.
