Glue - Page 4 of 16

Kernel Mosaic Cup

Steps:

Decorate the outside of the paper cup with markers. Keep the design simple, like stripes or dots.
Pour a small amount of liquid glue or paste onto a piece of construction paper to create a gluing palette.
Use your helper hand to hold the cup steady. Dip your marker-drawn cup directly into the glue palette, covering a small section with adhesive.
Pick up one dry corn kernel at a time using only your thumb and pointer finger (pincer grasp).
Carefully place and press the kernel onto the glued section of the cup. Try to place the kernels close together like a mosaic.
Repeat steps 3 through 5 until the whole cup is covered in texture. Let your kernel mosaic dry completely!

Safety Tip:
Dry corn kernels are a small, hard choking hazard. Constant and direct adult supervision is mandatory for children under 5. Ensure all materials are collected immediately after play.

Precision Glue Constellations

Steps:

Draw a constellation map on the construction paper. Use a marker to draw 8-10 dots (stars) and number them sequentially.
Glue the map to the cardboard base to keep it stable. Place the sequins in a small, shallow container.
Hold the glue bottle like a pencil. Starting at dot number one, squeeze the glue bottle with controlled force to draw a neat line to dot number two.
Continue connecting all the numbered dots with a thin line of glue, working on steady pressure to keep the line smooth.
Immediately sprinkle the sequins over the wet glue lines, covering the entire constellation path. Shake off the excess and admire your starry art!

Safety Tip:
Glue and sequins are non-toxic but require supervision. Ensure the child washes hands immediately after play and does not put sequins near the face or mouth.

Color Switch Panel

Steps:

Use the construction paper to cut out three large circles, slightly smaller than the paper plate.
Assign each colored circle a feeling (e.g., Red = mad; Yellow = focused; Blue = calm).
Draw or write 2-3 body signals on each color zone (e.g., Red: “fast heart,” Blue: “slow breath”).
Glue the colored circles around the paper plate rim. This is your three-zone control panel.
Draw a large arrow on the index card. Use a small dab of glue to attach the arrow to the plate center so it spins.
Practice identifying feelings. When a strong emotion appears, point the arrow to the matching zone. Discuss tools to move from Red to Blue.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the child is supervised while using scissors or glue. When discussing emotions, maintain a safe, non-judgmental space for them to share their feelings.

Vertical Bead Run

Steps:

Adult Prep: Cut the paper rolls (toilet paper or paper towel rolls) into short, 1-inch segments.
Glue the paper roll segments onto the large cardboard piece. Arrange them in a zigzag or winding track from top to bottom.
Secure the cardboard track vertically onto a wall or door at your child’s chest height. Place the plastic container directly beneath the exit point of the track.
Encourage your child to stand tall and use their thumb and pointer finger (pincer grasp) to pick up a bead.
Challenge them to aim and carefully drop the bead into the top opening of the track.
Visually track the bead as it rolls down the track. Repeat until all beads are successfully collected in the container.

Safety Tip:
Beads are very small and pose a significant choking hazard for children who still place objects in their mouths. Maintain constant adult supervision throughout the activity. Ensure the cardboard track is securely fastened to the wall to prevent movement during play.

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.