Secret Ribbon Loop Tunnel

Ages:: Preschoolers (3 to 5), Toddlers (1 to 3)
Play time:: 5 to 10 minutes
Setup:: 5 minutes
Where:: Table

Why it helps

This activity is a wonderful way to help your child practice using both hands at the same time. By pulling the ribbon, they build strength in their shoulders and arms. It also helps with motor planning as they figure out how to move the loop. Watching the stickers disappear and reappear keeps them engaged and works on their eye-tracking skills. It is a simple way to boost focus and coordination at home.

Steps

Adult: Use scissors to cut a circular hole on each side of the shoe box.
Thread a long ribbon through both holes and tie the ends together to make a loop.
Ask your child to use their pincer grasp to place stickers on the ribbon.
Have your child hold the box steady with one hand to build strength.
Encourage them to pull the ribbon through the box using their other hand.
Challenge them to move the loop until the stickers pop out the other side!

Safety tip: Always supervise your child when playing with long ribbons to prevent entanglement. Stickers are a potential choking hazard for young children.

Make it easier

Use large stickers with one corner lifted, so they are quick to peel and press onto the ribbon.
Use wide ribbon, which is easier to grab and pull.
Hold the box for your child so they can pull with both hands.

Make it harder

Set the box off to one side so the pulling hand reaches across the body.
Ask your child to stop pulling just as a certain sticker peeks out of the hole.
Pull the ribbon with the non-dominant hand.

What to watch for

Notice whether the helper hand keeps the box still or the box slides as your child pulls.
Watch whether your child pulls in small steps, one hand after the other, or grabs and yanks with one big pull.
If stickers fall off the ribbon, fold small pieces of masking tape over it as flags instead.