Wet Paper Squeeze Mail
Purpose
This sensory activity is perfect for building hand and finger strength. Tearing and squeezing resistant, wet materials provides heavy work input. This deep pressure input is calming for the sensory system. It also strengthens the intrinsic muscles of the hand, which are important for cutting and drawing later on. Using two hands to tear and stabilize is great for bilateral coordination. Pushing the squishy pulp through the slot requires precision and focused effort.
Activity Steps
Steps:
- Tear the index cards into small, postage stamp-sized pieces. Encourage tearing with both hands for strong bilateral input.
- Place all the torn pieces into the bowl. Cover the paper completely with water and let it soak for five minutes to create resistant pulp.
- Adult Step: Cut a tight, narrow slot (about 1.5 inches long) into the container lid. Secure the lid shut completely with masking tape.
- Reach into the bowl and gather a handful of wet paper pulp. Squeeze the pulp as hard as you can over the bowl to remove the water.
- Hold the container firmly steady with your helper hand. Use your dominant hand to push the dense, wet pulp straight through the narrow slot. Repeat until the container is full!
Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Torn paper pieces and small wet pulp balls pose a significant choking hazard for children who still place items in their mouths. Ensure materials are used only as intended.
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