Wet Sponge Target Post
Purpose
This activity focuses on building sustained finger and hand strength. Pushing objects through a resistant surface gives your child wonderful proprioceptive input. This sensory feedback helps them grade the amount of force needed for precise tasks like writing or fastening buttons. Holding the container steady with the other hand develops crucial proximal stability. The small size of the pom-poms and the precision needed for aiming help sharpen distal finger control and eye-hand coordination. It is a powerful workout disguised as fun play!
Activity Steps
Steps:
- Soak the sponge fully in water. Wring it out hard until it is only damp. Press the dense sponge firmly into the container base.
- Use a craft stick to poke five starter holes straight through the resistant sponge. This creates the narrow targets.
- Place the container on a stable table. Hold the container steady with your helper hand.
- Pick up one pom-pom using a neat pincer grasp. Place it directly over a target hole.
- Use the craft stick as a piston. Use a strong, controlled push to drive the pom-pom through the resistant sponge.
- Repeat this powerful pushing action until all the pom-poms are posted inside the container.
Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Pom-poms are small objects and pose a significant choking hazard for children under five. Ensure materials are used only as intended and kept away from the mouth, nose, and ears.
