Material: Paper Clips

Clip Straightener Stack

Clip Straightener Stack

Steps:

  • Secure the paper plate on the table. Use your child’s helper hand to stabilize it. Roll the playdough into a long log shape and press it firmly onto the plate to create a resistant base.
  • Pick up one paper clip. Encourage your child to use both hands together to pull and bend the paper clip until it is completely straight. This requires concentration and effort.
  • Using a precise pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger), push the sharp end of the straightened wire deep into the resistant playdough roll. Continue this process until the plate is full of straight wire posts.

Safety Tip:
Paper clips can become sharp once straightened. Adults must supervise closely to ensure the wires are only used in the playdough and not near the face. Monitor for choking if the child mouths small pieces of playdough.

Clip the Kites

Use different colors construction paper, and draw 4-5 diamonds, about 4×6 inches in size.

Instruct the child to cut out the diamond shapes. If the child has difficulties with cutting, we recommend providing thicker lines to cut on.

Using the crayons, let the child decorate the kites.

Have the child write any number between 1-10 on each kite. If the child is unable to write numbers independently, provide assistance as needed (i.e. write the numbers for him and let him trace them).

Using the paper clips, instruct the child to clip together a chain of paper clips with the corresponding number of paper clips to the number written on the kite.

Once the right number of paper clips are clipped together, have the child match the chain with the corresponding kite.