The Fuzzy Pipe Cleaner Bridges
Purpose
Using both hands together is a big step for your child’s development. This activity encourages them to use one hand to hold a bead and the other to guide the pipe cleaner. It strengthens their pincer grasp, which is the same finger movement used for writing later on. Plus, they get to build a colorful 3D structure!
Activity Steps
Steps:
- Tape your piece of cardboard flat on the table so it stays in one place while you play.
- Use the hole puncher to make two columns of holes down the cardboard, leaving space in the middle.
- Ask your child to pick up a pipe cleaner and push one end into a hole.
- Show them how to slide a few colorful beads onto the pipe cleaner one at a time.
- Help them bend the pipe cleaner and push the other end into a hole on the opposite side.
- Keep going until you have a row of fuzzy, beaded bridges across your cardboard!
Safety Tip:
Beads and pipe cleaner pieces can be small. Always watch your child closely to make sure they do not put any materials in their mouth.
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