Sticky Web Smash
Purpose
This activity provides great proprioceptive 'heavy work' input to the hands, strengthening the intrinsic muscles necessary for later complex fine motor tasks like coloring and grasping tools. It also encourages both hands to work together efficiently (bilateral integration).
Activity Steps
Steps:
- Prepare the ‘spider web’ by sticking several long strips of masking tape across an empty doorway, a chair opening, or a wall (ensure the tape is safe for the surface). Crucially, make sure the sticky side faces out toward the child.
- Give the child large pieces of construction paper and tissue paper. Demonstrate how to tear the paper into small, medium, and large pieces. Tearing paper provides excellent resistance for finger and hand muscles.
- Encourage the child to ‘smash’ or firmly press the torn paper pieces onto the sticky web, using maximal effort and pressure to ensure they stick. Challenge them to cover every piece of exposed tape!
Safety Tip:
If using a doorway, ensure the tape is placed at the child’s eye/chest level and not near the floor where someone could accidentally walk through and trip. Always supervise peeling tape off surfaces to prevent paint damage.
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