Sponge Boat Build

Ages:: Preschoolers (3 to 5)
Play time:: 10 to 15 minutes
Setup:: 2 minutes
Where:: Table

Why it helps

This activity helps your child use both hands together in different ways. One hand acts as a helper to hold the sponge steady. The other hand performs a tricky task. This skill is called bilateral coordination. It is important for things like holding paper while drawing or zipping up a coat. Your child will also work on finger strength as they thread a paper sail onto a pipe cleaner mast.

Steps

Before play, an adult pokes a small starter hole in the center of the sponge.
Ask your child to use the hole puncher to make two holes in a small strip of construction paper.
Have your child hold a pipe cleaner in one hand. This pipe cleaner is the mast. They thread it through both holes in the paper strip so the strip becomes a sail.
Your child holds the sponge firmly with one hand. They use the other hand to poke the pipe cleaner mast into the hole.
Fill a plastic container with a few inches of water.
Let your child place the finished boat in the water. They can watch it float or move it with their hands.

Safety tip: Supervise your child closely around the container of water. Ensure they do not put the pipe cleaners near their eyes.

Make it easier

Use a larger sponge that is easier to hold
Punch the holes for your child
Use a shorter pipe cleaner so it does not bend as much

Make it harder

Add more sails to the mast
Use a smaller sponge that requires a gentler grip
Ask your child to blow on the sail to move the boat across the water

What to watch for

Notice if your child switches hands often or prefers one hand for holding
See if they use their whole hand or just their fingertips to grip the pipe cleaner
Observe if they need to rest the sponge on the table or if they can hold it in the air