Construction Paper - Page 8 of 26

Finger Path Placements

Steps:

Trace the child’s non-dominant (helper) hand firmly onto the construction paper using a marker. This drawing is their map!
Using markers, draw specific colored dots (matching your pom-pom colors) inside the traced hand outline. Place the dots in the ‘paths’ or spaces right between the fingers.
Ask the child to place their non-dominant hand flat on the paper, lining it up exactly with the tracing (this hand provides the stable base).
Using their dominant hand, challenge the child to pick up the matching colored pom-poms (using a neat Pincer Grasp) and carefully place them into the drawn spots. They must use precision to drop the pom-pom without disturbing the fingers of the stable hand.
Once the pom-poms are placed, try removing them using tweezers for an extra fine motor workout.

Safety Tip:
Due to the small size of the pom-poms, close adult supervision is required throughout the activity to prevent choking or placing items in the mouth, nose, or ears.

Weighted Puck Push

Steps:

Prepare the ‘pucks’ by filling several small Ziplock Bags about 1/4 full with dry Beans or Rice. Seal them tightly.
Create a long ‘push stick’ by taping two Paper Rolls together end-to-end with Masking Tape to form a hockey stick.
Use Construction Paper and Masking Tape to create a goal on the floor about six feet away from the starting line.
Start in a half-kneeling position behind the pucks. Use the push stick to tap and guide one weighted puck at a time toward the goal.
Encourage the child to use the stick to sweep the pucks from their left side to their right side to practice Crossing Midline.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the playing area is clear of trip hazards. When using the long stick, remind the child to keep a safe distance from others and always supervise play.

Clip Chain Creation

Steps:

Tear the construction paper into small strips (about 3 inches long) or pre-cut them if tearing is difficult.
Use the markers to draw a simple pattern like stripes or dots on each paper strip.
Set up the area by tying one end of the yarn or string to a sturdy chair or door frame so it hangs down.
Pick up one paper clip using a strong pincer grasp (thumb and index finger).
Clip the first paper strip onto the end of the hanging yarn.
Use your opposite hand to stabilize the paper strip. Clip the next paper strip onto the first one, continuing until all strips form a long chain.

Safety Tip:
Paper clips are small objects. Close adult supervision is required for this age group to prevent choking hazards.

Precision Button Drop

Steps:

Fold a piece of construction paper in half (hotdog style) to create a stand-up ‘Postbox’. Glue the edges shut.
Use scissors to cut a short, narrow slit (about 1.5 inches long) in the middle of the ‘Postbox’.
Place a pile of assorted buttons on the table next to the postbox.
Use a strong pincer grasp (thumb and index finger) to pick up one button.
Hold the paper box steady with your helper hand. Push the button into the narrow slot.
Try to fill the entire ‘Postbox’ with buttons!

Safety Tip:
Ensure the buttons are large enough not to be inhaled or swallowed. Always closely supervise the child, especially when using small manipulative objects and sharp tools like scissors.

Noodle Chop Sort

Steps:

Use markers to color strips of paper that match the colors of your pool noodle. Tape these colored strips onto two separate baskets to create sorting targets.
Give your child the pool noodle and a pair of safety scissors. Encourage them to hold the noodle firmly with their ‘helper hand’ to keep it steady.
Challenge your child to cut the pool noodle into small, thin ‘coins’ or ‘slices.’ Remind them to use strong, full squeezes of the scissors.
Once the noodle is completely chopped, ask your child to look at the color targets. Sort the colorful foam coins into the matching color baskets.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise closely when using scissors. Use child-safe scissors appropriate for their hand size. Since the age range includes younger preschoolers, ensure that cut noodle pieces are not placed in the mouth, as they can pose a choking hazard if ingested.