Vertical Tape Relief
- Play time:
- 15 to 20 minutes
- Setup:
- 5 minutes
- Where:
- Wall or easel
Why it helps
This activity is a powerhouse for developing hand strength and coordination. Tearing the masking tape provides excellent resistance, helping to build strong intrinsic hand muscles necessary for efficient scissor use and pencil grasp. Working on a vertical surface helps stabilize the shoulder and wrist, promoting proper wrist extension. Applying firm pressure to stick the tape provides proprioceptive feedback. This improves the child's body awareness and their ability to grade force during fine motor tasks.
Steps
- Before play, tape a flat piece of cardboard to a wall or door at about your child's chest height. Tape all four edges so it stays firm.
- Use markers to draw a big, simple picture on the cardboard, like a tree or a fish. Your child can choose what to draw.
- Tear a few long strips of masking tape. Ask your child to tear them into small pieces about 1 inch long, using both hands.
- Show your child how to stick each torn piece lightly along the rim of the plastic container, where it waits ready to peel off.
- Ask your child to peel one piece off the rim with the thumb and pointer finger and press it firmly onto the drawing.
- Keep tearing and pressing, overlapping the pieces until the whole picture is covered with bumpy tape.
- Let your child add stickers for eyes or other details to finish the picture.
Safety tip: Check that the cardboard is taped firmly so it cannot slide down the wall. Stay close so tape pieces and stickers do not go in the mouth.
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 Bilateral Hand Use, 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.
