Material: Craft Sticks

Fuzzy Stick Twister

Fuzzy Stick Twister

Steps:

  • Use a marker to draw a simple shape or a target zone (like a thick stripe) on the center of one craft stick.
  • Place the craft stick flat on the table. Ask your child to hold the stick very steady with their non-dominant hand.
  • Encourage the child to take one pipe cleaner and use their dominant hand fingers to tightly twist the fuzzy stick around the craft stick. The goal is to cover the marked zone completely.
  • Challenge them to keep the wraps tight and neat. Once finished, they can unwrap the pipe cleaner for another round, practicing the reverse movement.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required during this activity. Ensure the pipe cleaner ends are curled slightly before use, as cut wire can be sharp. Monitor closely to prevent the child from placing the materials in their mouth, as small pieces pose a choking hazard.

Sticky Shape Press

Sticky Shape Press

Steps:

  • Use a marker to draw a large, simple shape (like a heart or square) onto the construction paper.
  • Tear a long strip of masking tape. Encourage your child to tear the tape into many small, postage stamp-sized pieces.
  • Challenge the child to use a precise pincer grasp to fill the drawn shape completely with the small tape pieces.
  • Pick up the craft stick. Show the child how to hold it like a pencil, keeping the wrist slightly bent backward (extended).
  • Use the craft stick to rub and press down firmly over every piece of tape. Applying strong pressure provides excellent heavy work for their hands.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Ensure the child understands the materials are only for crafting and not for placing in the mouth.

Stick Target Launch

Stick Target Launch

Steps:

  • Set up the launcher: Use masking tape to secure one end of a craft stick firmly onto the top edge of a small box. Leave the majority of the stick sticking out like a lever.
  • Create the target zone by using masking tape to mark a square or circle on the construction paper. Place the paper a short distance from the launch box.
  • Load the launcher by placing a pom-pom near the free end of the craft stick. Use a precise pincer grasp to place it gently.
  • Ask your child to hold the box steady with their non-dominant (helper) hand to provide stability for the launch.
  • Challenge them to use their dominant hand’s index finger to flick the end of the craft stick, aiming to launch the pom-pom onto the target.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise this activity closely. Pom-poms are small and pose a choking hazard for children who still place objects in their mouths. Ensure all small pieces are collected after play.

Stick Flag Thread

Steps:

  • Use markers to color the craft sticks in three different colors (e.g., red, blue, green).
  • An adult should cut the paper roll into 3-inch sections. Use a hole puncher to create 6 to 8 holes randomly around each section.
  • Help your child take index cards and draw a matching colored dot on each one. Cut a small slit into the center of each card (these are your flags).
  • Challenge your child to hold the paper roll steady with their helper hand. They use their other hand to thread a colored stick straight through one of the holes.
  • Once the stick is threaded, they must find the matching colored index card flag. Ask them to slide the flag onto the exposed end of the stick.
  • Continue threading sticks and matching flags until the entire paper roll is covered in colorful flags!

Safety Tip:
Adults must handle the scissors and hole puncher during preparation. Supervise the activity to ensure the child does not put the craft sticks near their eyes or mouth.

Pillow Bridge Balance

Pillow Bridge Balance

Steps:

  • Set up a ‘Pillow Bridge’ by placing a large, firm pillow or cushion on the floor (use a couch cushion if available).
  • Place a small stack of craft sticks within easy reach on the floor on one side of the pillow. Place 3-4 empty paper cups on the floor just beyond comfortable reaching distance on the opposite side.
  • Ask your child to lie on their stomach over the pillow, draping their body so their belly and hips are supported (this is called prone extension).
  • Encourage your child to reach across the ‘bridge’ with both hands to pick up a craft stick, then stretch forward to place the stick carefully into one of the empty cups. Try to fill all the cups!
  • To add a challenge, move the cups slightly further away or ask them to sort the sticks by color into different cups, encouraging sustained reaching.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise this activity closely. Ensure the pillow is stable and soft enough for comfortable support. Stop the activity if your child experiences neck strain or fatigue. They should lift their head and chest, keeping their shoulders engaged.