Pom-Pom Skyscraper
Purpose
This fun building challenge strengthens the small, intricate muscles in the hand and improves the precise control and coordination needed for important school tasks like pencil grip and managing fasteners.
Activity Steps
Steps:
- Set up the building zone by placing the Styrofoam block on the table and putting the bowl of toothpicks and pom-poms beside it.
- Encourage your child to use their dominant hand to push the sharp end of the toothpicks straight down into the Styrofoam, creating tall ‘towers’ in a pattern or design. Remind them to use their helper hand to stabilize and hold the foam block steady.
- Once the ‘skyscrapers’ are built, challenge the child to use a neat pincer grasp (thumb and index finger) to carefully place one pom-pom onto the top of each exposed toothpick tip, trying to balance it gently.
Safety Tip:
Due to the sharp nature of toothpicks, this activity requires direct adult supervision. Ensure the child understands the toothpicks are only for building and must never be put near the face or mouth.
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