Putty Cord Threading Art
Purpose
This fun activity challenges your child to use different levels of strength and control. Rolling the putty firmly provides proprioceptive feedback, known as heavy work, which calms and organizes the hands. Once the stiff cord is made, the precision task of pushing it through the small hole targets fine motor control. This practice enhances bilateral hand coordination and finger strength, which are key for managing zippers and buttons.
Activity Steps
Steps:
- Use markers to draw several small target dots randomly across the cardboard surface. Keep the cardboard stable with your helper hand.
- Squeeze the hole puncher forcefully onto each marker dot. Punch 6 to 8 holes across the cardboard to create your weaving board.
- Take a large lump of Theraputty. Use strong effort to roll the putty tightly into long, stiff, spaghetti-like cords.
- Pick up one stiff putty cord. Hold the cardboard firmly steady with your non-dominant hand.
- Challenge your child to use the stiff cord like a needle. Push the cord straight through one of the narrow punched holes. Pull it all the way through.
- Continue threading and pushing the putty cords through the holes to create a colorful, textured design.
Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Theraputty/Playdough is a dense material and poses a choking hazard for children who still place items in their mouths. Ensure materials are used only as intended.
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