The Sticky Straw Chimney

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

Why it helps

This fun project helps your child work on using both hands together. It builds strength in their tiny fingers by pressing straws onto tape. Standing the chimney up helps them learn to keep their arm steady. Your little builder will love watching smoke cotton balls fall through! It is a great way to practice focus and coordination at home.

Steps

Stand a paper roll on its end and tape the bottom edge to the table with two short strips of masking tape.
Wrap a strip of masking tape around the middle of the roll with the sticky side out. Press a small piece of tape over each end to hold the band in place.
Invite your child to choose straws and press each one, standing straight up, onto the sticky band.
Keep adding straws side by side until they make a full circle around the roll.
Peel the chimney off the table and hold it upright, a few inches above your child's cupped hand.
Let your child drop cotton balls into the top like puffs of smoke and catch them as they tumble out the bottom.
Switch jobs. Your child holds the chimney and catches with the other hand while you drop the puffs.

Safety tip: Stay close so straws and cotton balls stay out of mouths and noses, and count the cotton balls at cleanup.

Make it easier

Use a short toilet paper roll instead of a long paper towel roll so the chimney is small and steady.
Wrap a wide band of tape, or two rows, so the straws stick with less pressing.
Cut the straws in half so they are shorter and easier to press on straight.

Make it harder

Press the straws on in a color pattern, like red, yellow, red, yellow, all the way around.
Add a second band of tape higher up and press each straw so it sticks to both bands and stands perfectly straight.
Pick up the cotton balls with tongs or a clothespin and drop them in one at a time.

What to watch for

Notice whether your child presses each straw on with the fingertips or the flat of the hand. Fingertip pressing takes more control.
Watch how your child reaches the back of the roll. Turning the body, walking around, or reaching across are all ways to get there.
If the sticky tape feels unpleasant, show your child how to hold each straw near the top and press it on without touching the tape.

Where this helps in daily life

Pressing light things into place with the fingertips uses the same control kids need to line up stickers, press tape onto paper for school crafts, and seal a zip-top bag.

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