Resistant Tear Feed
Purpose
This activity provides wonderful heavy work for little hands. Tearing construction paper off a resistant cardboard surface helps build necessary finger and hand strength. The physical resistance (proprioceptive input) helps your toddler understand how much force their muscles are using. Holding the large cardboard steady with one hand while ripping the paper with the other encourages both sides of the body to work together (bilateral coordination). This tearing and feeding process also strengthens your child's hand muscles in preparation for later skills like cutting and manipulating small objects.
Activity Steps
Steps:
- Prep the surface: Use masking tape to secure several large pieces of construction paper tightly onto a piece of cardboard.
- Place the cardboard upright on a chair or stand it vertically against a wall. Put the container on the floor below the paper.
- Show your toddler how to hold the cardboard firmly with their helper hand to keep it stable while working.
- Encourage them to grab a corner of the paper and use a strong pull to rip the construction paper off the resistant cardboard base.
- Once ripped free, challenge them to drop the torn pieces directly into the container on the floor. Repeat until the cardboard is clear!
Safety Tip:
Constant, close adult supervision is essential for this age group. Ensure the toddler does not put torn pieces of paper or masking tape in their mouth, as these pose a choking hazard.
