Material: Golf Ball Tees

Color Drop Towers

Color Drop Towers

Steps:

  • Prepare the ‘towers’: Press a large lump of playdough firmly into the bottom of a Paper Cup or container. Flip the cup upside down so the playdough forms a stable base on the outside top.
  • Insert 6-8 Golf Ball Tees into the playdough base, blunt end first, so the narrow, hollow end points straight up (these are the ‘towers’ that need filling).
  • Create the colors: Fill several small bowls or Paper Cups with water and add a few drops of different Food Coloring to each one.
  • Show your child how to hold the eyedropper using their thumb and pointer finger (pincer grip) to suck up the colored water, reminding them to squeeze slowly for control.
  • Challenge your child to aim the dropper directly over one of the empty tee towers and release one drop of liquid at a time, slowly filling the narrow space. Try mixing colors by dropping red, then blue, into the same tower to watch them blend!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise closely. Ensure the child understands that the golf tees and playdough are not for eating or placing near the face.

Tee Time Smash

Steps:

  • Set up the ‘smashing station’ by placing the block of Styrofoam on a sturdy, non-slip surface, like a placemat on the kitchen table or floor.
  • Show your child how to place the blunt end of a golf tee onto the Styrofoam block. They must use their non-dominant (helper) hand to stabilize and hold the Styrofoam steady.
  • Using a spoon held like a hammer, encourage your child to tap the golf tee until it pushes all the way into the Styrofoam. They must grade their force to ensure the tee is fully embedded.
  • Once all the tees are smashed in, switch roles! Have your child use their finger tips or the back of the spoon to pull the tees back out, working on fine motor control and pincer grasp.

Safety Tip:
Ensure close supervision to prevent the child from putting the golf tees in their mouth or throwing the spoon. This activity requires moderate force, so make sure the table is stable.

Color Codes

This color-coding activity provides the child with a fun chance to address fine motor skills and bilateral coordination.

Preparation:

Step 1: Draw different code sheets, such as the one shown in the picture.
Step 2: Cut a portion of the pool noodle.
Step 3: Have insert the golf ball tees into the pool noodle to imitate the code.

*Be sure to provide necessary assistance as the bottom of the golf ball tee is pointed.