Foam Slot Tongs
Purpose
This activity strengthens the small muscles in the hands. These muscles are essential for daily tasks like cutting with scissors and managing fasteners. Using the tongs acts as a fantastic workout for the pincer grip. This strengthens the vital coordination between the thumb and index finger. By aiming the foam pieces into the narrow horizontal slot, your child improves eye-hand coordination. They also refine their motor planning. Holding the container steady with the helper hand builds proximal stability in the shoulder and core.
Activity Steps
Steps:
- Adult Prep: Use markers to draw one narrow, horizontal slit (about 2 inches long) onto the container lid. Carefully cut the slit using scissors. Secure the lid shut with masking tape.
- Use scissors to cut the foam sheets into many small, 1-inch squares. Drop the cut squares into the small container.
- Place the target container flat on the table. Encourage your child to hold the container firmly with their helper hand to stabilize it.
- Pick up the tongs. Use the tongs to grab one foam square using a strong pincer grip.
- Carefully aim the foam piece toward the narrow slot. Push the foam piece completely through the slot and drop it inside the container.
- Continue transferring all the foam pieces into the slot until the small container is empty.
Safety Tip:
Since this activity involves small foam pieces and the use of scissors during preparation, constant, direct adult supervision is required. Small pieces of foam are a choking hazard for children under five.
