Strong Pull Chain
Purpose
This activity provides great strengthening input (proprioception) for the hands, arms, and core. Pulling the yarn chain requires sustained effort. The heavy work helps increase muscle stability and body awareness. Gathering the chain uses alternating hand movements, which is key for developing bilateral hand use and crossing the midline. This movement supports future skills like fastening buttons or writing.
Activity Steps
Steps:
- Securely tie one end of a long, thick piece of yarn to the leg of a heavy box. This is your anchor point.
- Sit the child on the floor 4 to 6 feet away from the anchored box. Stretch the yarn out straight.
- Challenge the child to use both hands together to grasp the yarn and slowly pull the chain back toward their chest. Encourage a steady, controlled pull.
- Once the slack is gone, ask the child to use alternating hand-over-hand movements to gather the remaining yarn into a neat pile or wrap it around a paper roll.
- Repeat the activity. Try asking the child to switch to a kneeling position to challenge their core stability further.
Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required due to the use of yarn/string, which can be a strangulation hazard. Ensure the yarn length is appropriate for the space and monitor to prevent wrapping around the child’s neck or fingers. The box used as an anchor must be heavy and stable.
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