Index Cards - Page 9 of 10

Squeeze Slot Mail Drop

Steps:

Use markers to color several index cards brightly. You can also cut simple shapes from construction paper and tape them onto the cards.
Place long strips of masking tape across the top opening of the container. Crisscross the tape strips to create a very tight, narrow slot in the center.
Ask your child to hold the container firmly with their non-dominant hand. This stabilizes the toy for the working hand.
Pick up one index card. Encourage your child to squeeze the card flat lengthwise using their fingertips.
Challenge them to push the squeezed, flat card straight through the narrow, resistant tape slot. Repeat this until all the mail is successfully delivered.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required during this activity. Ensure the child remains focused on the task and does not attempt to ingest any pieces of masking tape or paper.

Fringe Card Weave

Steps:

Fold one index card in half lengthwise (hot dog style).
Use markers to draw several short, straight lines along the folded edge. Stop the lines about one inch before the open card edges.
Hold the card steady with one hand. Carefully cut along each marker line to create a dense fringe.
Unfold the card to reveal the long, cut strips. Put a small dab of glue on one end of the yarn.
Challenge your child to weave the yarn horizontally across the fringe strips. Go under one strip, then over the next strip, and repeat.
Continue weaving until the entire fringe is connected by the colorful yarn. Secure the final end with another dab of glue.

Safety Tip:
Scissors and yarn require direct adult supervision. Ensure the child uses child-safe scissors and monitors closely to prevent accidental ingestion of small paper snips or pieces of yarn, which pose a choking hazard.

Thumb Flick Target Game

Steps:

Use markers to draw a simple target or bullseye onto several index cards. You can assign point values for older children.
Secure the index cards flat onto a table using masking tape around all four edges. This prevents the card from moving.
Place a small pile of colorful buttons from the container near a designated start line on the card.
Show your child how to use the pad of their thumb to gently flick the button forward. The thumb should use the pointer finger as a stabilizer (thumb opposition).
Challenge your child to flick each button until it lands completely inside a target zone. If the button flies off the table, try using less force.

Safety Tip:
Buttons are small items that pose a choking hazard. Maintain constant, close adult supervision throughout this activity. Ensure all buttons are collected immediately after play.

Sticky Shape Rescue

Preschooler crossing midline to peel an orange foam shape from a wall, an occupational therapy activity for bilateral hand use and motor planning.

Steps:

Use Masking Tape to create a large rectangle outline (the “Rescue Zone”) on a sturdy wall or door at eye level for your child.
Cut various simple shapes (squares, triangles, circles) from Foam Sheets or Construction Paper. Using small rolled pieces of tape, stick these shapes randomly onto the wall *outside* the Rescue Zone.
Challenge your child to “rescue” the shapes by carefully peeling them off the wall. Encourage them to use one hand to stabilize the wall (the helper hand) while the other hand peels the shape.
Once rescued, the child must carry the shape and place it *inside* the taped Rescue Zone. They can match colors or simply stack them inside the boundary.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the working surface is clean and safe, and always supervise when the child is reaching high or standing near a door frame.

Lacing Pictures

Use the hole puncher and the index cards to punch holes in different directions or create different shapes.

Give the child a lace and show him/her the proper sequence to lace these holes.

Have the child lace the picture without skipping any hole.