Wet Sponge Weight Weave
Purpose
This activity is a fantastic way to give your preschooler's hands a heavy work workout. Pushing the stick into the resistant, dense sponge provides deep pressure input. This is calming and helps build proprioception (awareness of force). Holding the container steady with the helper hand is crucial for developing proximal stability in the shoulder and forearm. This strong push-pull action is vital for strengthening the hand muscles needed for cutting and coloring. The activity also encourages bilateral coordination and precision in aiming the stick.
Activity Steps
Steps:
- Fill the container with water and soak the sponge fully. Wring it out hard so it is damp and dense, then press it firmly back into the container base.
- Adult Prep: Tie one bead securely onto the end of a 12-inch piece of yarn. Tie the opposite end of the yarn onto the middle of one craft stick.
- Challenge your child to hold the container firmly steady with their helper hand to stabilize the base on the table.
- Using the working hand, aim the craft stick tip at the sponge. Use a strong, controlled push to drive the stick and the attached yarn/bead completely through the resistant sponge.
- Pull the stick back out, feeling the resistance and drag of the yarn as it comes through the wet sponge. Repeat this push and pull action until your child tires.
Safety Tip:
Beads and yarn are small materials. Constant, direct adult supervision is required to ensure these items are not ingested, as they pose a choking hazard.
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