Ribbon Rescue Basket Mission

Ages:: Preschoolers (3 to 5), Toddlers (1 to 3)
Play time:: 10 to 15 minutes
Setup:: 10 minutes
Where:: Floor

Why it helps

This fun rescue mission helps your child build hand strength. By pulling ribbon through a basket, they practice using two hands together. It also helps with focus and planning for daily tasks.

Steps

Grab a plastic basket with holes on the sides.
Place a favorite stuffed animal inside the basket.
Take long pieces of ribbon and weave them through the holes.
Crisscross the ribbon over the top to trap the toy.
Ask your child to rescue the toy by unweaving the ribbon.
They must pull each ribbon completely out through the holes.
Encourage them to use one hand to hold the basket and the other to pull.

Safety tip: Adult supervision is recommended to ensure the long ribbons do not get tangled around the child.

Make it easier

Weave each ribbon through just two or three holes so it pulls out quickly.
Leave a long tail on each ribbon so there is plenty to grab.
Steady the basket for your child so they can pull with one or both hands.

Make it harder

Weave the ribbons in and out of many holes so each one takes several pulls to free.
Tie a simple bow where the ribbons cross that your child must untie first.
Ask your child to pull the ribbons out in a color order you call out.

What to watch for

Notice whether your child follows the ribbon back through each hole, or pulls hard and hopes it slides out.
Watch whether the helper hand holds the basket still while the other hand pulls.
If a ribbon catches and your child gets frustrated, show how to push the stuck part back through the hole, then let them try.

Where this helps in daily life

Pulling a strap or string through openings is the same skill kids use to pull a belt out of its loops, take out shoelaces, and pull the drawstring on a bag.

These activities are for home practice and don't replace the guidance of a licensed therapist.