The Drawbridge Pulley Master

Ages:: Preschoolers (3 to 5), School age (6+)
Play time:: 15 to 20 minutes
Setup:: 15 minutes
Where:: Table

Why it helps

This activity turns a simple box into a magical castle! It is a wonderful way for your preschooler to practice using both hands at once. By twisting the crank, they build strength in their wrists and hands. It also helps them learn how to follow a sequence of steps. Watching the bridge go up and down gives them a great sense of accomplishment. Plus, it is a fun way to spark their imagination during playtime.

Steps

Before play, cut a door in the front of a small open-top box. Cut along the top and both sides and leave the bottom attached so the door folds down.
Cut a small notch in the top edge of each side wall, near the front, so a long paper roll can rest across the box with both ends sticking out.
Let your child decorate the box like a castle with markers.
Slide a paper clip onto the top edge of the door near each corner, and tie a piece of yarn to each clip.
Close the door, lay the paper roll in the notches, and tape the loose end of each yarn to the roll so the yarn is snug.
Ask your child to turn the roll one way to lower the drawbridge, then the other way to wind up the yarn and pull it closed.
Show your child how to hold the box still with one hand while the other hand turns the roll.

Safety tip: An adult does all the cutting, since box cardboard is too tough for child scissors. Put the yarn away after play so it does not end up around necks.

Make it easier

Skip the roll and let your child pull the yarn straight up to raise the door.
Cut the door from thin cereal-box cardboard so it is light and easy to lift.
Make the door short so only a few turns of the roll lift it all the way.

Make it harder

Raise the door halfway and hold the roll still for a count of five, then finish lifting.
Lower the door slowly so it does not slam, counting to five on the way down.
Put toy figures inside the castle and lower the drawbridge to let each one out, then raise it again.

What to watch for

Notice whether your child turns the roll with the fingertips or the whole hand, and whether the other hand holds the box still.
Watch whether your child figures out which way to turn to raise the door, and tries the other way to lower it.
If the door slams down, notice whether your child lets go all at once. Lowering it slowly takes steady control.

Where this helps in daily life

Turning a handle while the other hand steadies is the same teamwork kids use to crank a pencil sharpener, wind up a kite string, and reel in a toy fishing line.

These activities are for home practice and don't replace the guidance of a licensed therapist.