Treasure Transfer Challenge
- Play time:
- 10 to 15 minutes
- Setup:
- 2 minutes
- Where:
- Table
Why it helps
This fun activity helps your child strengthen their hand muscles and improve their hand-eye coordination as they carefully move objects from one place to another. It's also a great way to practice using tools like tongs or spoons!
Set the stage: Place two containers (like a bowl, cup, or bucket) on a table or the floor. Set them a short distance apart.
Prepare the "treasure": Fill one of the containers with small items. You can use pom poms, small toys, or cotton balls.
Choose a tool: Give your child a pair of tongs/tweezers. If that's too challenging, they can start with a large spoon.
Start the transfer: Ask your child to move the "treasure" pieces one by one from the full container to the empty one using only their tool.
Level up: To make it more challenging, move the containers further apart or encourage your child to use their non-dominant hand for a few turns!
Make it easier
- Use big pom-poms or crumpled paper balls, which are easy to grab with tongs and hard to drop.
- Set the two bowls side by side so each trip is short and the treasure lands close.
- Hold the empty bowl steady for your child so they can focus on the squeeze and release.
Make it harder
- Sort the treasure by color as you go, with a different bowl for each color.
- Move the treasure into the cups of an egg carton or ice cube tray, one piece per cup.
- Roll a die and move exactly that many pieces before rolling again.
What to watch for
- Notice how your child holds the tongs. Some squeeze with the whole fist, and others pinch with the thumb and fingers.
- Watch whether your child opens the tongs just wide enough for each piece or all the way every time.
- If your child would rather use their fingers, let them pinch a few pieces, then offer the tongs again.
Where this helps in daily life
Squeezing and releasing tongs uses the same hand control kids need for using a spoon and fork, squeezing a glue bottle, and later opening and closing scissors.
Need personalized support?
While these activities are great for home practice, nothing replaces the guidance of a licensed therapist. If you are in Irvine, CA or the Orange County area and have concerns about your child's Fine Motor Control, we invite you to connect with us.
Contact Tumble N' Dots Therapy →These activities are for home practice and don't replace the guidance of a licensed therapist.
