Kernel Cannon Wall
Purpose
This fun activity provides great heavy work input. When your child squeezes the thick, resistant mixture through the eyedropper, they build hand and forearm strength. Working on a vertical surface also promotes proximal stability in the shoulder, which is the foundation for fine motor tasks. Aiming the squeeze at the target improves eye-hand coordination and helps teach force regulation (proprioception). It is a fantastic way to develop the muscle control needed for handwriting and cutting.
Activity Steps
Steps:
- Mix the playdough with a little water in the container until it forms a thick, sticky sludge. Stir in a handful of corn kernels to make the mixture highly resistant.
- Secure the piece of cardboard vertically onto a stable wall or door using masking tape. Use markers to draw a large, simple target shape on the board.
- Hold the eyedropper (or baster) with a strong pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger). Squeeze the bulb hard to suck up the resistant kernel sludge mixture.
- Hold the cardboard steady with your helper hand to keep the surface stable. Aim the loaded dropper at the marker target.
- Squeeze the dropper forcefully to shoot the kernel sludge onto the target. Encourage maximum effort! Repeat this action until the target is completely covered.
Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Playdough and corn kernels are small objects and pose a significant choking hazard for children who still place items in their mouths. Ensure the mixture is used only as intended.
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