Index Cards - OTPlan

Layered Cardboard Pin Weave

Steps:

Prep the surface by taping two Index Cards tightly together. Secure this layered card firmly onto a piece of Cardboard using Masking Tape.
Use a Marker to draw 8 to 10 small target dots across the layered card. Ensure the targets are spaced out.
Challenge your child to hold the cardboard base steady with their helper hand to stabilize the work area.
Pick up one Q-Tip using a strong pincer grasp. Aim the Q-Tip at a target dot.
Use a strong, controlled push to pierce the Q-Tip completely through the resistant layered cards and into the cardboard base. This takes effort!
Once all dots are pierced, gently remove the Q-Tips. Pick up a stiff Pipe Cleaner and thread it through the newly created holes to weave a colorful pattern.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Q-Tips and cut pipe cleaner pieces are small materials and pose a potential choking hazard for young children. Adults should manage the scissors for preparation.

Tight Coil Tunnel Twist

Steps:

Adult Prep: Cut an index card in half. Cover one half completely with aluminum foil, crimping the edges tightly underneath. Secure this foiled card flat onto a sturdy piece of cardboard using masking tape.
Use a marker tip or pen to poke 5-6 small starter holes into the foil surface. These holes should be slightly smaller than the pipe cleaners.
Encourage your child to twist the pipe cleaners tightly around their finger or a pencil to create small, dense, stiff coils. This builds hand strength!
Ask your child to hold the stable cardboard base firmly steady with their helper hand (proximal stability).
Pick up one finished coil with a strong pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger). Aim the coil at a starter hole.
Use a strong, continuous twisting motion (like screwing in a lightbulb) to turn the coil. Screw the stiff coil into and through the resistant foil and cardboard base until it is fully embedded. Repeat until all holes are filled.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Pipe cleaners are small materials and, especially when cut or tightly coiled, pose a choking hazard for children who still place objects in their mouths. Collect all pieces immediately after play.

Shredded Paper Glue Dot

Steps:

Use a marker to draw 8-10 tiny target dots onto the sturdy cardboard base. Keep the dots small for a precision challenge.
Take one index card. Use both hands together to rip the card into tiny, jagged pieces. Encourage strong, controlled pulls for heavy work input. Drop the scraps into the container.
Pick up the glue bottle. Carefully squeeze a small, controlled dot of glue directly onto each marker target dot.
Now, use the tweezers. Pinch one tiny paper scrap using a strong pincer grasp.
Hold the cardboard steady with your helper hand. Aim the scrap at a wet glue dot and carefully press it down to secure it. Repeat until all dots are filled!

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Small paper scraps and tweezers are used in this activity. These materials pose a choking hazard for young children who still place objects in their mouths. Ensure materials are used only as intended.

Tee-Weave Card Creator

Steps:

Fold three index cards tightly in half to create one thick, sturdy base. Press hard along the fold for maximum resistance.
Use the hole puncher to squeeze and punch 6 to 8 starter holes along the edges of the folded card. Squeezing the puncher requires strength!
Hold the thick card steady with your helper hand to keep it stabilized on the table.
Pick up one golf tee using a strong pincer grasp. Aim the tee at one of the punched holes.
Use a strong, controlled push to pierce the tee completely through the layered cardboard base. Remove the tee.
Repeat this forceful piercing action until all punched holes have been filled with tees and then removed.
Pick up a stiff pipe cleaner and use your fingertips to lace it through the newly pierced holes, creating a colorful pattern.

Safety Tip:
Golf ball tees have pointed ends. Constant adult supervision is required. Ensure the child pushes the tee straight down into the card, away from the face or body.

Sticky Rice Push-Through

Steps:

Prep the Pucks: Squeeze a small circle of glue onto an Index Card. Sprinkle a thick layer of dry Rice onto the glue and press it down firmly. Let the glue set for 15 minutes until tacky.
Adult Prep: Use scissors to cut a tight, narrow slot (about 1.5 inches long) into the Container lid. Secure the lid tightly onto the container with Masking Tape.
Tear the Index Card into small squares, making sure each rice/glue spot stays centered on its own small piece.
Stabilize: Ask the child to hold the container firmly steady with their helper hand on the table.
Load and Deliver: Pick up one Craft Stick. Use the stick to push the resistant, sticky rice puck straight through the narrow slot. Repeat this until all pucks are delivered!

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Dry rice is a small material and poses a choking hazard for children who still place objects in their mouths. Ensure materials are used only as intended.