Resistant Cardboard Push Pucks
Purpose
This activity is fantastic for waking up the muscles in the hands and arms! By tearing and wringing the cardboard, your child gets deep proprioceptive input. This sensory feedback helps improve body awareness and focus. The strong hand movements build intrinsic muscle strength, which is crucial for pencil control and using scissors later on. The final step of pushing the Q-Tip through the damp, resistant 'puck' requires controlled, fine motor precision.
Activity Steps
Steps:
- Tear the cardboard into several small, jagged strips.
- Fill the container halfway with water.
- Soak the cardboard strips in the water completely until they are soft.
- Squeeze and wring the wet strips hard to remove excess water. This is heavy work!
- Squish the damp cardboard strips together into a firm, flat ‘puck.’ Press it onto the table.
- Hold the cardboard puck steady with your helper hand.
- Use a Q-Tip to aim and push a hole straight through the soft, resistant puck.
- Repeat the pushing action until the entire cardboard puck is full of holes.
Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Q-Tips are small materials and pose a significant choking hazard for children under five. Ensure materials are kept away from the mouth, nose, and ears.
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