Tight Weave Screw Frame

Tight Weave Screw Frame

Steps:

  • Use the Markers to draw a sturdy frame or square onto the Cardboard. Use the Scissors to cut this frame out (parent assistance may be needed).
  • Take the Index Cards and cut them into long, colorful strips for weaving. Draw a simple pattern on them using markers.
  • Glue the beginning of each strip to the back of the Cardboard frame. Weave the strips tightly across the frame, then secure the ends with Glue on the back.
  • Using the Hole Puncher, squeeze hard to punch 4 holes straight through the woven layers and the Cardboard frame. This requires strong effort!
  • Stabilize the frame with your helper hand. Push a Bolt straight through one of the tight, punched holes.
  • Pick up a Nut with a precise Pincer Grasp. Twist the Nut firmly onto the Bolt until the woven strips are compressed tightly. Repeat until all holes are secured.

Safety Tip:
Constant adult supervision is required when using scissors. Ensure the child handles the nuts and bolts appropriately, keeping them away from the mouth, nose, and ears.

Spiral Twist Core Threading

Spiral Twist Core Threading

Steps:

  • Adult Step: Secure the paper roll horizontally onto the cardboard base using strong masking tape. This creates a stable ‘dowel’ for twisting.
  • Use the markers to draw colorful stripes or dots onto several index cards. Cut the decorated cards into long, narrow strips (about 1/2 inch wide).
  • Take one paper strip. Use your fingertips to curl and twist the strip tightly around itself to create a stiff, narrow spiral shape.
  • Secure the end of the paper spiral with a small amount of glue to keep the resistant shape from unrolling. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to make a pile of colorful spirals.
  • Hold the cardboard base firmly steady with your non-dominant hand. Pick up a paper spiral with your working hand.
  • Aim the spiral at the paper roll. Use a continuous twisting motion (like screwing in a lightbulb) to thread the spiral onto the roll, pushing it along the core.
  • Continue twisting and pushing the colorful spirals until the entire paper roll is covered in dense, textured art. Then, try unwinding them!

Safety Tip:
Constant adult supervision is required. Adults should manage the scissors for preparation. Ensure the child remains seated stably to focus on the fine motor movements and to prevent the board from tipping.

Wet Paper Squeeze Mail

Wet Paper Squeeze Mail

Steps:

  • Tear the index cards into small, postage stamp-sized pieces. Encourage tearing with both hands for strong bilateral input.
  • Place all the torn pieces into the bowl. Cover the paper completely with water and let it soak for five minutes to create resistant pulp.
  • Adult Step: Cut a tight, narrow slot (about 1.5 inches long) into the container lid. Secure the lid shut completely with masking tape.
  • Reach into the bowl and gather a handful of wet paper pulp. Squeeze the pulp as hard as you can over the bowl to remove the water.
  • Hold the container firmly steady with your helper hand. Use your dominant hand to push the dense, wet pulp straight through the narrow slot. Repeat until the container is full!

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Torn paper pieces and small wet pulp balls pose a significant choking hazard for children who still place items in their mouths. Ensure materials are used only as intended.

Felt Piercing Garden Push

Felt Piercing Garden Push

Steps:

  • Use markers to draw 5 to 7 small target dots randomly across the center of the felt piece.
  • Cut the felt into a square shape. Use masking tape to secure the felt tightly over the container opening, making sure the fabric is taut and resistant.
  • Ask your child to hold the container firmly steady with their helper hand on the table to prevent tipping.
  • Pick up one craft stick. Grip it with a strong pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger).
  • Aim the stick at a marked target dot. Use a strong, controlled push to pierce the stick straight through the resistant felt.
  • Repeat this powerful pushing action until all the marked dots are filled with sticks, completing your ‘felt garden’.

Safety Tip:
Constant adult supervision is required. Ensure the child pushes the craft sticks into the container and away from their face and body. The stabilizing hand should always be placed on the container base.

Foil Rod Twist Connect

Foil Rod Twist Connect

Steps:

  • Tear off a piece of aluminum foil slightly larger than an index card.
  • Place the card on the foil. Wrap the card tightly and squeeze hard to form a dense, stiff foil rod.
  • Use a marker to draw a narrow slit (about 1.5 inches long) onto a separate index card. (Adult step: Carefully cut the slit using scissors).
  • Hold the slotted card firmly steady with your helper hand on the table.
  • Pick up the foil rod. Aim the end at the slit and use a continuous twisting motion to screw the rod through the resistant opening.
  • Twist the rod all the way through the slot to connect the two cards. Repeat to build a creative 3D foil sculpture!

Safety Tip:
Constant adult supervision is required. Adults must handle the scissors for preparation. Ensure the child compresses the foil tightly into dense balls or rods to avoid sharp edges. Collect all small foil pieces immediately after play.