Heavy Paper Link Builders
Purpose
This activity focuses on deep pressure input, which helps calm the nervous system and build hand strength. Children use intense bilateral coordination to tear paper and roll it into dense, firm 'blocks.' This rolling action strengthens the small muscles in the hands, preparing them for holding a pencil. Connecting the blocks with pipe cleaners requires strong aiming, force, and precise finger control, promoting excellent pincer grasp development and motor planning skills as they design their structure.
Activity Steps
Steps:
- Tear the index cards into strips (about 1 inch wide). Encourage strong, controlled pulls for heavy work input.
- Take one paper strip. Roll it tightly around a marker or a pencil, creating a dense cylinder. Slide the marker out.
- Secure the dense paper cylinder tightly by wrapping masking tape completely around it. Press hard to create a firm ‘building block.’
- Use markers to draw small connection dots onto the center of each paper block. Aim for four dots per block.
- Pick up one pipe cleaner. Hold the first paper block steady with your helper hand.
- Push the stiff pipe cleaner straight through one of the marked dots. Aim the pipe cleaner and thread it through a second block to link them. Twist the ends to secure the connection.
Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Small pieces of paper, masking tape, and cut pipe cleaners pose a significant choking hazard for children who still place objects in their mouths. Ensure materials are used only as intended.
