The Foil Pancake Button Press

Ages:: Preschoolers (3 to 5)
Play time:: 10 to 15 minutes
Setup:: 2 minutes
Where:: Table

Why it helps

Scrunching and patting foil into a pancake uses both hands together and builds hand strength. Picking up one button at a time works the thumb and pointer finger pinch. Pressing each button into the dense foil gives the fingers firm pressure and helps your child learn how hard to push.

Steps

Tear off a large sheet of aluminum foil for your child, keeping the box's sharp cutting edge out of reach.
Invite your child to scrunch the foil into a ball with both hands, then press and pat it into a flat, thick pancake.
Set the foil pancake in the foil pan, or on a piece of cardboard, so it stays steady.
Put a small pile of colorful buttons next to the pan.
Ask your child to pick up one button at a time with the thumb and pointer finger.
Have them press each button firmly into the foil pancake until it sinks in and stays.
Keep going until the pancake is covered with buttons, like sprinkles on top.

Safety tip: Buttons are a choking hazard, so stay close, keep them away from younger siblings, and count them at cleanup.

Make it easier

Crumple the foil loosely so the buttons sink in with less pressure.
Use large buttons, which are easier to pinch and push.
Start each button for your child by pressing it in a little, then let them push it the rest of the way.

Make it harder

Press the buttons in to make a face, a flower, or a color pattern.
Press each button in using only the thumb.
Once the pancake is full, pick the buttons back out with fingertips or a craft stick.

What to watch for

Notice whether your child presses with the fingertip or the flat pad of the finger, and whether the button stays put.
Watch how both hands work together to squeeze and flatten the foil into a pancake.
If the crinkle sound or the feel of foil bothers your child, press the buttons into a flat pancake of playdough instead.