Tight Coil Ribbon Weave
Purpose
This activity is a wonderful challenge for developing precise hand and finger movements. When your child twists the pipe cleaners into tight coils, they are building intrinsic muscle strength, which is essential for holding a pencil correctly. Threading the ribbon through the narrow openings demands excellent pincer control and distal finger control. It encourages bilateral hand use, requiring one hand to stabilize the coil while the other hand maneuvers the ribbon. This is a quiet, focused task that supports hand dexterity and pre-writing skills.
Activity Steps
Steps:
- Adult Prep: Use masking tape to secure the cardboard firmly onto a stable table. Cut pipe cleaners into 4-inch sections if needed.
- Encourage your child to wrap one pipe cleaner tightly around a pencil. Slide the pencil out to create a small, dense coil. Repeat this action to create six colorful coils.
- Use small pieces of masking tape to secure one end of each finished coil firmly onto the cardboard base. Space the coils out slightly in a winding path.
- Cut a long piece of ribbon (about 18 inches). Tie one end of the ribbon securely onto the first coil target.
- Challenge your child to use their fingertips to carefully push the loose end of the ribbon straight through the center of the next tight coil.
- Continue this weaving action. The child should push the ribbon through each coil one by one until they reach the end of the coiled line.
Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required, as sharp scissors are used for preparation. Ensure the ends of the pipe cleaners are curled or tucked safely. Collect all small materials immediately after play.
