Brave Cardboard Shield
- Play time:
- 10 to 15 minutes
- Setup:
- 10 minutes
- Where:
- Anywhere
Why it helps
Helping your child build a shield is a great way to grow big, strong muscles in their arms. As they lift and move the shield, they learn how to stay steady and coordinate their movements. This playful game also makes them feel like a hero while they practice their balance.
Steps
- Use your scissors to cut a large, sturdy circle out of a piece of cardboard.
- Let your child decorate the front of the shield using their favorite colorful markers.
- An adult should poke two small holes near the center of the cardboard circle.
- Thread a piece of ribbon through the holes and tie a knot to make a handle.
- Have your child slide their arm through the ribbon handle and hold the shield tight.
- Stand a few feet away and gently toss soft pom-poms toward the child.
- Challenge your child to move the shield to block every single pom-pom!
Safety tip: Ensure the play area is clear of furniture to prevent falls while your child moves around to block the pom-poms.
Make it easier
- Toss bigger, slower items like a balled-up sock so there is more time to react.
- Stand closer and toss underhand, saying ready, set, toss before each one.
- Cut a smaller, lighter shield from a cereal box if the cardboard feels heavy.
Make it harder
- Toss high, low, and to each side so your child has to move the shield across their body.
- Ask your child to block while kneeling on a cushion or standing on one foot.
- Toss two pom-poms in different colors and call out which one to block.
What to watch for
- Notice whether your child keeps the shield up between tosses or lets it drop. A lowered shield often means the arm needs a short rest.
- Watch whether they turn the shield toward the pom-pom or move their whole body to get in front of it.
- If things flying toward them feel startling, roll the pom-poms along the floor first or let your child toss them at your shield.
Where this helps in daily life
Holding an arm up and steady builds the shoulder stamina kids use to wash their hair, hang a backpack on a hook, and draw on an easel or whiteboard.
Need personalized support?
While these activities are great for home practice, nothing replaces the guidance of a licensed therapist. If you are in Irvine, CA or the Orange County area and have concerns about your child's Eye-Hand Coordination, we invite you to connect with us.
Contact Tumble N' Dots Therapy →These activities are for home practice and don't replace the guidance of a licensed therapist.
