Masking Tape - Page 43 of 50

Crumple Pin Bowling

Steps:

Build the ‘Crumple Pins’: Give the child 6 to 10 paper rolls (like toilet paper or paper towel rolls). Encourage them to use both hands to crumple each roll tightly into a dense, firm ‘pin’ shape. Secure each crumpled shape firmly with small pieces of masking tape to ensure they hold their structure.
Set up the Lane: Use masking tape to mark a ‘foul line’ on the floor. Arrange the crumpled pins in a triangle formation 5 to 10 feet away from the line (adjust distance based on space and skill level).
Bowl: Challenge the child to stand behind the line and roll the ball toward the pins, focusing on aiming and grading the force of their roll to knock down as many pins as possible.
Score and Reset: Count how many pins were knocked down. Encourage the child to reset the pins (sequencing and motor planning) before taking their next turn.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the bowling area is clear of furniture, toys, and other trip hazards. Encourage children to reset the pins safely without rushing or running.

Tape Tear Puzzle

Steps:

Prepare the ‘puzzle’ by taking a flat piece of cardboard (like the side of a shoe box) and covering the entire surface with large, overlapping strips of colorful masking tape, running them in various directions.
Present the cardboard to your toddler and encourage them to use their fingertips to explore the edges of the tape. Show them how to pinch the tape edge with their index finger and thumb.
Guide your child to use their non-working hand to hold the cardboard flat on the table, providing ‘proximal stability,’ while their other hand peels the tape off, tearing it into smaller pieces.
For an extra challenge, place a few favorite stickers underneath some of the tape strips as a surprise reward once the tape is successfully removed.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise toddlers closely during this activity. Ensure that torn pieces of masking tape are discarded immediately to prevent them from being placed in the mouth, as they pose a choking hazard.

Noodle Mountain Roll

A preschool girl guiding a tennis ball down a vertical DIY pool noodle track taped to cardboard. She is using bilateral hand use and focusing intently; A close-up view of a child crossing midline to reach the top of a homemade pool noodle ball ramp secured with colorful masking tape in a kitchen setting.

Steps:

An adult should safely cut the pool noodle lengthwise to create a long U-shaped channel (this will be your ramp).
Help your child use masking tape to secure the pool noodle ramps onto a large piece of standing cardboard or a sturdy wall in a zigzag or spiral pattern. Make sure the segments line up so the tennis ball can transfer easily.
Have your child stand centered in front of the track. Encourage them to start the tennis ball at the top, using both hands together to place the ball gently into the ramp opening.
As the ball rolls down, encourage them to follow the ball visually and use one hand to stabilize the cardboard wall (or the noodle itself) while the other hand reaches across their body (crossing midline) to catch the ball or guide it into the next section.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the cardboard or base used for the track is stable and cannot tip over or fall onto the child. Always supervise standing activities.

Tower Sticker Challenge

Steps:

Prepare the target: Stack 3 to 4 empty Boxes on top of each other to create a stable, eye-level tower. Cover the tower sides with Paper and secure the paper firmly using Masking Tape.
Pre-peel the Stickers: Carefully peel most of the backing off 10-15 large Stickers (like dot stickers or large shapes) and place them securely onto the edge of the table or highchair tray, leaving a small corner for the child to grasp.
Challenge the Pincer Grasp: Encourage your child to use only their thumb and pointer finger to peel the rest of the Sticker off the table edge.
Attach the Stickers: Guide the child to walk over to the tower. Encourage them to use their helper hand to stabilize the Box while the dominant hand presses the sticker firmly onto the paper surface. Try to cover all sides of the tower!

Safety Tip:
Due to the risk of choking, constant, close adult supervision is required during this activity, as small stickers and paper pieces can easily be placed in the mouth by toddlers.

Sticky Shape Press

Steps:

Use a marker to draw a large, simple shape (like a heart or square) onto the construction paper.
Tear a long strip of masking tape. Encourage your child to tear the tape into many small, postage stamp-sized pieces.
Challenge the child to use a precise pincer grasp to fill the drawn shape completely with the small tape pieces.
Pick up the craft stick. Show the child how to hold it like a pencil, keeping the wrist slightly bent backward (extended).
Use the craft stick to rub and press down firmly over every piece of tape. Applying strong pressure provides excellent heavy work for their hands.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Ensure the child understands the materials are only for crafting and not for placing in the mouth.