Foil Comet Toss
Purpose
This fun game addresses several essential developmental skills. Tearing and crumpling the aluminum foil into a tight ball provides excellent proprioceptive input and heavy work for the small muscles in the hand, which builds finger strength. When your child aims and throws the 'comet' at the swinging target, they practice vital eye-hand coordination and learn to grade the force of their throws. Using one hand to gently swing the target while the other throws also promotes excellent bilateral hand use and motor planning skills.
Activity Steps
Steps:
- Tear a piece of aluminum foil off the roll. Use strong, bilateral hand movements to rip the resistant foil.
- Use both hands and fingertips to crumple the foil into the smallest, tightest ball possible. This is your heavy ‘Comet.’
- Repeat this process until you have 5 to 6 foil comets ready in your container.
- The adult will use masking tape to hang the cardboard target from the ceiling or a doorway. Ensure it swings freely at the child’s chest level.
- Challenge your child to stand still. Use the non-dominant hand to gently tap the cardboard, making it swing slowly.
- Throw the foil comets one by one at the moving target. Practice grading the force of the throw to hit the center of the swinging target.
Safety Tip:
Ensure the aluminum foil is crumpled very tightly to eliminate any sharp, exposed edges. Supervise closely during throwing to ensure the child aims away from faces or breakable objects.
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