Craft Sticks - Page 14 of 17

Rhythm Sequence Match

Steps:

Set up the game by placing the container and a piece of construction paper on a table. The container will be your drum and the paper is your “target zone.”
Roll the dice. The number rolled determines the length of the rhythm sequence you must create (e.g., 4 means 4 total taps).
The adult claps or uses a craft stick to tap a rhythm on the container. Use varying forces, such as loud, soft, soft, then loud.
The child must carefully listen and then replicate the exact sequence of taps (both the timing and the force) using their own craft sticks on the paper target.
After each sequence, discuss: “Did that feel too loud or just right?” This helps connect the level of force to the resulting sound and internal feeling.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the playing surface is stable so that the child can focus on the control of their fine motor movements and not worry about items slipping.

Stick Weave Loom

Steps:

Adult Prep: Use the hole puncher to make 10 to 12 holes evenly around the edge of the paper plate.
Help your child push a craft stick straight through each punched hole. The sticks should stand up firmly like fence posts.
Show your child how to stabilize the paper plate with their helper hand to keep it steady on the table.
Take one pipe cleaner and curl the end slightly to create a dull ‘needle’ point for safe threading.
Challenge your child to weave the pipe cleaner through the sticks following an ‘over, under, over, under’ pattern.
Continue weaving the pipe cleaner until the entire stick fence is connected by the colorful web. Try different colored pipe cleaners for the next round.

Safety Tip:
Close adult supervision is required. Ensure that the ends of the pipe cleaners are curled to prevent scratches. Small pieces of cut pipe cleaner pose a potential choking hazard.

Bubble Wrap Architect Challenge

Preschool boy using bilateral hand use and concentration to pierce bubble wrap with a craft stick.

Steps:

Cut the bubble wrap into various sizes (squares, rectangles). Encourage your child to use both hands, one to stabilize the wrap, and the other to carefully tear smaller pieces off for better bilateral practice.
Ask your child to use their dominant hand to push the craft sticks straight through the air pockets of the bubble wrap, aiming for the satisfying ‘pop!’ This provides great auditory feedback and proprioceptive input.
Challenge them to build 3D structures (towers, houses, animals) by connecting multiple pieces of bubble wrap together using the craft sticks as sturdy connectors. Encourage them to work while kneeling or lying on their tummy for added core strength!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise this activity closely. Ensure that the child handles the craft sticks safely, using them only to connect the bubble wrap and not as toys for poking.

Playdough Candle Pull

Steps:

Help your child roll the playdough into several small balls (about golf-ball size). These will be the ‘cake’ bases.
Encourage your child to carefully stick 5-10 craft sticks straight up into each playdough ball, like ‘candles’. This requires gentle pushing and aiming.
Challenge your child to ‘blow out’ and remove the candles one by one. They must use one hand to firmly hold the playdough ball stable, and the other hand to use a precise pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger) to carefully pull the craft stick straight out without wiggling or squishing the playdough base.
If needed, start with fewer sticks or use a slightly firmer playdough recipe to increase stability.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise children during this activity to ensure they do not put materials in their mouth. Ensure the craft sticks do not have sharp edges.

Carousel Clip Spin

Steps:

Use markers to decorate the paper plate or cardboard circle (your carousel base).
Take 6 to 8 craft sticks. Use the clothespins to clip these sticks firmly around the edge of the plate. Make sure the sticks point straight out like spokes.
Place the plate on a stable surface. Use your helper hand to hold the plate steady.
Challenge your child to use their thumb and pointer finger to pinch and flick one of the craft sticks. The goal is to make the entire carousel spin slowly.
Try flicking different sticks to change the direction or speed of the spin. Focus on keeping the stabilizing hand still for a challenge.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the child maintains good posture. Encourage them to sit with their feet flat on the floor to promote core stability while working on this fine motor task.