Noodle Notch Shelf Build

Ages:: Preschoolers (3 to 5), School age (6+)
Play time:: 15 to 20 minutes
Setup:: 5 minutes
Where:: Table

Why it helps

Pushing craft sticks into snug foam slits takes a firm, steady push, while setting soft pom-poms on the narrow shelves takes a light, careful touch. Switching between the two helps your child learn how much force each job needs. The helper hand holds the noodle steady, so both hands work together.

Steps

Before play, use a serrated knife to cut a piece of pool noodle about as long as your hand. This is an adult step.
Stand the piece on end. With the knife, cut three or four short slits straight into its side at different heights, each a little wider than a craft stick and about an inch deep.
Put the knife away. Stand the noodle on the table and ask your child to hold it steady with the helper hand.
Ask your child to push a craft stick halfway into each slit, flat side up, so it sticks out like a little shelf.
Ask your child to pick up a pom-pom with the thumb and pointer finger and set it gently on the end of a shelf.
See if your child can fill every shelf without knocking any pom-poms off. Then take them down one at a time and build again.

Safety tip: Only an adult uses the knife, and put it away before your child starts. Pom-poms are small, so keep them out of mouths and gather them after play.

Make it easier

Cut the slits a little wider so the craft sticks slide in with less push.
Use big pom-poms, which sit on the stick ends without rolling off.
Start with just two shelves and add more once those are full.

Make it harder

Place the pom-poms with tweezers instead of fingers.
Call out a color for each shelf, top to bottom, and ask your child to match the order.
Cut slits all the way around the noodle so the shelves point in different directions.

What to watch for

Notice whether the helper hand holds the noodle still while the other hand pushes in a stick, or whether the noodle tips.
Watch how your child sets each pom-pom down. A slow, light touch keeps it on the shelf, while a quick drop can bounce it off.
If the squeak of sticks sliding into foam bothers your child, push the sticks in yourself and let your child place the pom-poms.

Where this helps in daily life

Snipping thick material and pushing pieces into tight spots build the hand strength kids use to cut cardboard for school projects, push a straw into a juice box, and snap lids onto containers.

These activities are for home practice and don't replace the guidance of a licensed therapist.