Material: Pom-poms

Sticky Straw Scoop

Sticky Straw Scoop

Steps:

  • Prepare the ‘scoop’ by taking a straw and securing a small loop of masking tape (sticky side facing out) onto one end.
  • Place a pile of pom-poms on the table and the empty Container next to the Construction Paper target.
  • Show the child how to hold the straw using their thumb and index finger (a strong pincer grasp), just like holding a miniature pencil.
  • Challenge the child to carefully touch the sticky straw tip to a pom-pom, lifting it when it sticks firmly.
  • The child then transfers the sticky pom-pom over the container and uses their non-dominant hand or fingertips to peel it off the straw and drop it in.
  • Continue this process until all the pom-poms are successfully moved from the starting pile into the container.

Safety Tip:
Always provide close adult supervision during this activity. Ensure the child understands that the small pom-poms and tape are not to be put in the mouth.

Pom-Pom Popper Target Game

A preschooler playing the pom-pom popper game, demonstrating bilateral hand use and aiming toward a bucket target. | Close-up on child's hands loading a pom-pom into a paper cup launcher, highlighting fine motor control and visual motor skills.

Steps:

  • Adult Step: Use scissors to cut the bottom out of the paper cup. Cut the knot end off the balloon, then stretch the balloon tightly over the open bottom of the cup and secure it.”
  • “Place a bucket, basket, or cardboard box about five feet away to act as your target.”
  • “Show your child how to load a pom-pom into the top (uncovered) end of the cup launcher.”
  • “Have your child hold the cup firmly with one hand, pull the balloon knot back with the other hand, aim at the target, and release the knot to launch the pom-pom!”
  • “Count how many pom-poms land inside the target for some added sequencing practice.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is needed, especially during setup involving scissors. If the balloon breaks, immediately collect all pieces as broken balloons are a significant choking risk.

Fuzzy Target Toss

Preschool girl practices crossing midline by peeling pom-poms off a velcro felt target taped to a kitchen cabinet door for shoulder strengthening.
Prepare your materials! Place a small circle of Velcro (the hook side is usually best) on the back of several pom-poms. Place the loop side of the Velcro on a large piece of Felt to create your target.

Use Masking Tape to secure the Felt target to a vertical surface, like a door or the side of a tall bookshelf.
Place the target high enough so your child has to reach up or slightly across their body to aim.
Have your child stand back a few feet and gently toss the pom-poms at the target. Cheer them on as they try to get the fuzzy items to stick!
After all the pom-poms are tossed, have your child practice peeling them off. Encourage them to use both hands—one to stabilize the felt, and the other to peel the pom-pom.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the target surface is stable. If your child is jumping or reaching high, spot them gently. Always supervise to ensure pom-poms are not placed in the mouth.

Stick Target Launch

Stick Target Launch

Steps:

  • Set up the launcher: Use masking tape to secure one end of a craft stick firmly onto the top edge of a small box. Leave the majority of the stick sticking out like a lever.
  • Create the target zone by using masking tape to mark a square or circle on the construction paper. Place the paper a short distance from the launch box.
  • Load the launcher by placing a pom-pom near the free end of the craft stick. Use a precise pincer grasp to place it gently.
  • Ask your child to hold the box steady with their non-dominant (helper) hand to provide stability for the launch.
  • Challenge them to use their dominant hand’s index finger to flick the end of the craft stick, aiming to launch the pom-pom onto the target.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise this activity closely. Pom-poms are small and pose a choking hazard for children who still place objects in their mouths. Ensure all small pieces are collected after play.

Frozen Dessert Relay

Preschool girl strengthens core and hand muscles by lying prone and scooping colorful pom-poms with an ice cream scoop.

Steps:

  • Place the empty Paper Cup about 12-18 inches in front of or slightly off to the side of your child (this will be the ‘sundae dish’).
  • Have your child lie on their tummy (prone position) on the floor, resting on their forearms. Place the Bowl filled with Pom-poms (‘ice cream flavors’) right next to their chest.
  • Challenge your child to use the Ice Cream Scoop to load one pom-pom, then lift their arm to reach and drop the pom-pom into the Paper Cup. Encourage them to keep their bellies on the floor while they reach and scoop!
  • When they have filled the cup, try moving the cup to the opposite side of their body to encourage a big cross-body reach (crossing midline) while maintaining their stable tummy position.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Ensure the playing surface is clear and that your child maintains a comfortable prone position. Always monitor to prevent mouthing of small objects like pom-poms.