Cardboard - OTPlan

Cardboard Connector Links

Steps:

Adult Prep: Cut the cardboard into 6 to 8 small, sturdy building shapes, such as squares or strips.
Use the markers to draw small target dots near the edges of each cardboard link.
Encourage your child to twist each pipe cleaner tightly into a small, stiff ring or loop. Place these finished rings in the container.
Challenge your child to hold one cardboard link firmly steady with their helper hand to stabilize the surface.
Squeeze the hole puncher forcefully onto each marker dot to create connection holes. Squeezing hard provides deep strength input!
Now, hold two punched cardboard links together, lining up the holes perfectly.
Use a pipe cleaner ring to link them by pushing the stiff ring through both holes. Continue linking to build a strong 3D structure.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. The small pipe cleaner pieces and cardboard punch-outs are choking hazards for children under five. Ensure materials are used only as intended.

Corner Fold & Weave Push

Steps:

Give your child a piece of cardboard. Encourage them to use both hands to tear the cardboard into rough, postage stamp-sized pieces.
Take one torn cardboard piece. Fold a corner tightly in half, then fold it over one more time to create a dense, narrow point.
Place the finished folded pieces in the plastic container. These are your weaving targets.
Take a pipe cleaner and curl one end into a loop to create a dull ‘needle.’
Hold the folded cardboard piece firmly steady with your helper hand.
Use your dominant hand to grip the pipe cleaner needle with a strong pincer grasp. Push the needle straight through the tight folded point of the cardboard.
Repeat this process, pushing the pipe cleaner through each resistant cardboard fold.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Pipe cleaners are small materials and pose a choking hazard for children who still place objects in their mouths. Ensure any cut ends of the pipe cleaners are curled safely before starting the activity.

Vertical Tear & Crumple Press

Steps:

Secure the cardboard piece vertically onto a stable wall or door using masking tape.
Use long strips of masking tape, sticky side OUT, to create a large shape (like a circle or square) onto the cardboard surface.
Give your toddler strips of construction paper. Encourage them to use both hands to tear the paper into small, rough pieces.
Challenge your child to crumple each torn piece tightly into a small, dense ball using only their fingertips.
Hold the cardboard steady with the helper hand. Pick up one dense paper ball using a pincer grasp.
Use a strong, controlled push to firmly press the paper ball onto the vertical sticky tape shape. Repeat until the shape is covered.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Torn paper pieces are a choking hazard for children under three. Ensure your child remains standing or sitting stably and does not attempt to put materials in their mouth.

Tight Coil Ribbon Weave

Steps:

Adult Prep: Use masking tape to secure the cardboard firmly onto a stable table. Cut pipe cleaners into 4-inch sections if needed.
Encourage your child to wrap one pipe cleaner tightly around a pencil. Slide the pencil out to create a small, dense coil. Repeat this action to create six colorful coils.
Use small pieces of masking tape to secure one end of each finished coil firmly onto the cardboard base. Space the coils out slightly in a winding path.
Cut a long piece of ribbon (about 18 inches). Tie one end of the ribbon securely onto the first coil target.
Challenge your child to use their fingertips to carefully push the loose end of the ribbon straight through the center of the next tight coil.
Continue this weaving action. The child should push the ribbon through each coil one by one until they reach the end of the coiled line.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required, as sharp scissors are used for preparation. Ensure the ends of the pipe cleaners are curled or tucked safely. Collect all small materials immediately after play.

Cardboard Coin Mail

Steps:

Adult Prep: Use scissors to cut a narrow, horizontal slot (about 1 inch long) into the container lid. Secure the lid tightly onto the container with masking tape.
Give your child the cardboard. Encourage them to hold the cardboard steady with their helper hand.
Challenge them to squeeze the hole puncher forcefully onto the cardboard to create a big pile of small cardboard ‘coins.’ Squeezing hard provides deep muscle input!
Ask your child to pick up one stiff cardboard coin using a neat pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger).
Hold the container steady with your helper hand. Aim the cardboard coin at the narrow slot.
Use a strong, controlled push to mail the coin completely through the resistant slot. Repeat until all the coins are successfully delivered.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Hole punchers can pinch fingers if hands are misplaced. Ensure all small cardboard pieces are collected immediately after play, as they pose a choking hazard.