Vertical Post-It Peek-a-Boo
- Play time:
- 5 to 10 minutes
- Setup:
- 5 minutes
- Where:
- Wall or easel
Why it helps
This activity encourages your child to reach and peel. Reaching up to a wall builds stability in the shoulders. This strength is needed for later tasks like writing. Peeling the sticky notes works on the pincer grasp. This uses the thumb and index finger together. It also helps your child practice matching. This turns a simple motor task into a fun learning game!
Steps
- Use masking tape to secure the cardboard vertically to a wall.
- Make sure it is at your child's chest or eye level.
- Draw five large, bright shapes on the cardboard using your markers.
- Write a different number inside each shape from 1 to 5.
- Cover each shape completely with a single Post-It note.
- Ask your child to reach up and peel a note to find a shape.
- Challenge them to find a specific number you call out!
- Have them stick the peeled notes onto their clothes for extra fun.
Safety tip: Choking Hazard. This activity uses Post-Its and masking tape. Small pieces of paper or tape can be a choking hazard. Always supervise your child closely. Ensure they do not put these materials in their mouth.
Make it easier
- Fold back one corner of each sticky note so there is a flap that is easy to grab.
- Draw pictures your child knows, like a ball or a cat, instead of numbers.
- Start with three notes placed within easy reach.
Make it harder
- Spread the notes across a wider board so your child reaches up high and across their body for some of them.
- Call out a short sequence, like 3, then 1, then 5, and have your child peel the notes in that order.
- Hide the letters of your child's name under the notes and peel them in order to spell it.
What to watch for
- Notice whether your child peels with the tips of the thumb and pointer finger or grabs the whole note in a fist.
- Watch whether your child reaches across the body for notes on the far side or steps over to use the closer hand.
- Watch for tired arms when reaching up. Lowering the board for a few turns lets your child keep playing.
Where this helps in daily life
Reaching up while pinching with the fingertips builds the steady shoulders and precise fingers kids use to draw at an easel, hang a coat on a hook, and peel stickers.
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 Pincer Grasp, 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.
