Putty Pancake Decorators
Purpose
This fun two-step activity is a fantastic way to give little hands a workout. First, your child receives proprioceptive input (heavy work) by kneading and flattening the stiff putty. This deep pressure is organizing for the nervous system and wakes up the hand muscles. The second step shifts the focus to precision. Using tweezers or tongs to pick up small beads refines the pincer grasp and builds distal finger control. This control is crucial for managing crayons, zipping zippers, and buttoning clothes in the future.
Activity Steps
Steps:
- Give your child a large chunk of Theraputty or stiff playdough. Encourage them to use both hands to squeeze, mash, and roll it into a thick ‘pancake’ on the paper plate. Press hard for heavy work!
- Ask your child to hold the paper plate firmly steady with their helper hand to keep the ‘pancake’ from sliding.
- Pick up the tweezers or tongs. Use a strong pincer grasp to grab one small bead at a time.
- Carefully aim the bead. Push it firmly and precisely into the resistant putty surface to create a colorful design or pattern.
- Repeat the process until the entire putty pancake is covered in decorative beads. Try using different colors or sizes of beads.
Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Beads and Theraputty/Playdough are small objects. They pose a significant choking hazard for children who still place items in their mouths.
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