Paper Crease Tunnels
Purpose
This activity is a fantastic way to boost the tiny muscles inside your child's hand (intrinsic muscles). Folding paper strips requires strength and precise control, which are vital for a mature pencil grip and managing zippers. The second part challenges eye-hand coordination. Your child must aim the stiff, folded paper perfectly into a narrow slot. This practices the controlled push needed for tasks like buttoning or maneuvering small objects.
Activity Steps
Steps:
- Adult Step: Use scissors to cut 8-10 narrow slits across the top surface of the egg carton. The slits should be tight, offering resistance.
- Draw several long, 1-inch wide strips onto the construction paper using a marker. Encourage your child to use their helper hand to cut carefully along the lines.
- Take one paper strip. Fold it in half lengthwise and press the crease very firmly. This makes a tight V-shape or ‘tunnel.’
- Hold the egg carton steady with the non-dominant hand. Use the dominant hand to aim the folded paper tunnel at a narrow slot.
- Challenge your child to push the stiff paper all the way through the slot. Continue until the entire egg carton is full of paper tunnels!
Safety Tip:
Maintain constant adult supervision, especially during the preparation phase involving scissors. Although the paper pieces are large, ensure small torn scraps are collected immediately and kept away from the mouth.
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