The Giant Newspaper Chopstick Challenge

Ages:: Preschoolers (3 to 5), School age (6+)
Play time:: 10 to 15 minutes
Setup:: 5 minutes
Where:: Floor

Why it helps

This activity is perfect for building hand and arm strength. By rolling the paper tightly, your child works their finger muscles. Using the logs as giant chopsticks requires both sides of the brain to work together. It also helps with focus and planning as they figure out how much pressure to use. It is a fun way to turn everyday items into a big physical challenge!

Steps

Lay a large sheet of newspaper flat on the floor.
Roll the paper corner to corner as tightly as possible.
Use masking tape to secure the ends of the paper log.
Make a second log so you have a pair of giant chopsticks.
Place a stuffed animal on the floor and a basket nearby.
Hold one log in each hand and squeeze the toy between them.
Carry the toy carefully and drop it into the basket!

Safety tip: Always supervise your child to ensure they use the paper logs safely and do not hit others.

Make it easier

Roll the logs for your child and add extra tape so they stay stiff.
Start with a big, soft stuffed animal that is easy to squeeze, and put the basket close by.
Let your child kneel on the floor so the logs do not have to reach as far.

Make it harder

Pick up smaller things, like a rolled-up sock or a toy car, that need more careful squeezing.
Move the basket across the room so your child walks while carrying the toy.
Hold the logs at the very ends, farther from the toy, which takes more arm strength.

What to watch for

Notice whether both hands squeeze with the same force, or one log slides while the other pushes.
Watch your child's elbows. Elbows tucked in close often give more control than arms held straight out.
If the feel or smell of newspaper bothers your child, wrap the logs in masking tape or use two pool noodles instead.

Where this helps in daily life

Squeezing and carrying with both arms at once is the same teamwork kids use to carry a big box, scoop up an armful of toys at cleanup time, and pick up a pile of laundry.

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