Markers - Page 36 of 50

Clip Chain Creation

Steps:

Tear the construction paper into small strips (about 3 inches long) or pre-cut them if tearing is difficult.
Use the markers to draw a simple pattern like stripes or dots on each paper strip.
Set up the area by tying one end of the yarn or string to a sturdy chair or door frame so it hangs down.
Pick up one paper clip using a strong pincer grasp (thumb and index finger).
Clip the first paper strip onto the end of the hanging yarn.
Use your opposite hand to stabilize the paper strip. Clip the next paper strip onto the first one, continuing until all strips form a long chain.

Safety Tip:
Paper clips are small objects. Close adult supervision is required for this age group to prevent choking hazards.

Noodle Chop Sort

Steps:

Use markers to color strips of paper that match the colors of your pool noodle. Tape these colored strips onto two separate baskets to create sorting targets.
Give your child the pool noodle and a pair of safety scissors. Encourage them to hold the noodle firmly with their ‘helper hand’ to keep it steady.
Challenge your child to cut the pool noodle into small, thin ‘coins’ or ‘slices.’ Remind them to use strong, full squeezes of the scissors.
Once the noodle is completely chopped, ask your child to look at the color targets. Sort the colorful foam coins into the matching color baskets.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise closely when using scissors. Use child-safe scissors appropriate for their hand size. Since the age range includes younger preschoolers, ensure that cut noodle pieces are not placed in the mouth, as they can pose a choking hazard if ingested.

Foam Monster Feed

Steps:

An adult should cut out a large, fun shape from the Foam Sheet and Glue it securely onto the Plastic Container (this is the monster’s face).
Use Markers to draw a face. Then, carefully poke 10 to 15 small holes through the Foam and Container. The holes should be slightly smaller than the Pipe Cleaners for good resistance.
Place the container on the table. Ask your child to use one hand to firmly hold the container steady (proximal stability).
Challenge your child to use their dominant hand to pick up one Pipe Cleaner (the “monster snack”) using a precise Pincer Grasp.
Encourage them to push the pipe cleaner straight into one of the resistant holes to ‘feed’ the monster. The pushing provides great heavy work for their hands.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Pipe cleaners can have sharp ends after cutting or pose a mild choking hazard if put in the mouth. Ensure the bucket is stable before the child pushes the materials.

Clothespin Feather Match

Steps:

Prepare the ‘Clipping Creature’ by decorating the plastic container with markers.
Use index cards to draw and cut several long strips. These are your colorful ‘feathers.’
Draw small, matching colored dots on the rim of the container and on the ends of the clothespins (e.g., red dot on rim, red dot on pin).
Encourage your child to pinch open a clothespin. Clip a colorful index card feather onto it first.
Challenge them to clip the clothespin onto the container’s rim. The color on the pin must match the color dot on the container.

Safety Tip:
If the child is using scissors during step two, ensure constant adult supervision. Only use child-safe scissors.

Sequin Push Maze

Steps:

Use a marker to draw a winding path or simple maze onto the foam sheet.
Place the foam sheet flat on the table. Ask your child to hold the sheet steady with their helper hand.
Put a small pile of colorful sequins at the starting point of the maze.
Challenge your child to pick up one sequin using a strong pincer grasp.
Switch grip: Use only the tip of their pointer finger to gently push the sequin along the drawn line to the finish.
The child must use steady pressure and friction to keep the sequin moving without flying off the foam.

Safety Tip:
Sequins are very small objects. Close adult supervision is required throughout the activity as they pose a significant choking hazard for children under five.