Tape Tear Puzzle
Purpose
This simple activity helps your toddler use both hands together—one to stabilize a surface and the other to peel and pull. It builds intrinsic hand strength and refines the delicate finger movements needed for daily self-help tasks.
Activity Steps
Steps:
- Prepare the ‘puzzle’ by taking a flat piece of cardboard (like the side of a shoe box) and covering the entire surface with large, overlapping strips of colorful masking tape, running them in various directions.
- Present the cardboard to your toddler and encourage them to use their fingertips to explore the edges of the tape. Show them how to pinch the tape edge with their index finger and thumb.
- Guide your child to use their non-working hand to hold the cardboard flat on the table, providing ‘proximal stability,’ while their other hand peels the tape off, tearing it into smaller pieces.
- For an extra challenge, place a few favorite stickers underneath some of the tape strips as a surprise reward once the tape is successfully removed.
Safety Tip:
Always supervise toddlers closely during this activity. Ensure that torn pieces of masking tape are discarded immediately to prevent them from being placed in the mouth, as they pose a choking hazard.
X
![]()
