Index Cards - Page 6 of 10

Resistant Card Weave Pull

Steps:

Ask an adult to cut 8 to 10 index cards into thick, uniform strips (about 1 inch wide).
Weave the strips together tightly in an over-under checkerboard pattern to create a square ‘mat’.
An adult should securely wrap masking tape around the entire perimeter of the woven square. Wrap the tape tightly to keep the weave stable and add resistance.
Place the finished woven card square flat on a stable table. Challenge your child to hold the square firmly steady with their non-dominant hand (the helper hand).
Encourage your child to use their working hand to grasp the edge of one woven strip and pull it straight out of the resistant tape frame.
The pulling requires strong, controlled force. Continue pulling the strips free until the entire woven piece has been unraveled. Drop the rescued strips into the container.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Adults should handle the scissors during preparation. Ensure the child remains seated stably when performing the strong pulling motions.

Tight Stick Wedge Push

Steps:

Fold an index card tightly in half lengthwise. This creates a stiff, narrow V-shaped wedge.
Press a small lump of Theraputty or stiff playdough firmly down inside the V-wedge. The putty should be resistant.
Place the loaded index card wedge flat inside the plastic container to keep it stable on the table.
Ask your child to hold the container firmly steady with their non-dominant hand (the helper hand).
Pick up one craft stick. Challenge your child to aim and push the stick straight down into the resistant putty through the narrow V-opening.
Encourage strong, controlled pushes until the putty wedge is completely filled with sticks. Pull the sticks out for a reverse challenge.

Safety Tip:
Theraputty, playdough, and craft sticks are small objects. Constant and direct adult supervision is required throughout this activity to prevent choking hazards for children in this age group.

Card Flipper Launch

Steps:

Hold the index card firmly with your helper hand. Cut 3 short, narrow slits across the center of the card using scissors. Keep the slits straight and tight.
Take a craft stick (the lever). Carefully push the stick through all three narrow slits. The stick should bend the card into a slight spring shape.
Set the lever structure down flat on the table. Place a bead onto the end of the craft stick using your thumb and pointer finger (pincer control).
Hold the index card base steady with your helper hand. Use one finger from your dominant hand to press the craft stick down slightly. Quickly release it to launch the bead toward the container target.

Safety Tip:
Beads are very small and pose a significant choking hazard. Close adult supervision is required throughout the entire activity. Ensure all small materials are collected and stored safely after play.

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.

Card Scroll Builders

Steps:

Place an Index Card flat on the table. Use your helper hand to stabilize the card firmly against the surface.
Use your working hand to place a pencil on the short edge of the card. Roll the card tightly around the pencil to create a firm scroll.
Once the card is fully rolled, carefully slide the pencil out while keeping the scroll tight. Place the finished scroll into the container.
Choose a small sticker. Use your precise pincer grasp (pinching fingers) to peel it off the backing.
Quickly wrap the sticker around the center of the scroll to keep it from unraveling. Challenge yourself to fill the container with colorful, tightly rolled scrolls!

Safety Tip:
Use large, age-appropriate stickers during this activity. Ensure close adult supervision to prevent the child from placing small stickers or paper pieces in the mouth.