Resistant Rip Mural
Purpose
This activity is designed to build foundational hand strength and core stability. Tearing stiff cardboard provides excellent heavy work, which is important proprioceptive input for the hands. Working on a vertical surface encourages your child to stand tall and keep their wrist extended (bent back). This position strengthens the shoulder and core muscles, preparing them for future writing tasks. Using both hands to manage the large cardboard piece also promotes strong bilateral hand coordination. Finally, aiming the pieces at the target improves visual motor skills and control.
Activity Steps
Steps:
- Secure a large sheet of cardboard vertically onto a wall or door using masking tape.
- Place several long strips of masking tape horizontally across the cardboard, sticky side OUT, creating several large, sticky ‘target zones’ or frames.
- Give your child a large, flat piece of thick cardboard.
- Challenge your child to use both hands to tear the thick cardboard into small, jagged pieces (this requires strong effort!).
- Encourage them to pick up one torn piece and firmly press it onto the vertical sticky target, filling the frames to create a textured mural.
Safety Tip:
Ensure the vertical cardboard surface is stable and cannot fall or slide during the activity. Always supervise young children to ensure they do not attempt to ingest torn cardboard or masking tape pieces.
