Tongs - OTPlan

The Balloon Tongs Catch

Steps:

Blow up a bright balloon and tie it securely.
Place an empty basket on the floor across the room.
Give your child a pair of sturdy tongs to hold.
Toss the balloon gently into the air for them.
Challenge your child to squeeze and catch the balloon using only the tongs.
Have them carry the balloon carefully and drop it into the basket.
If the balloon drops, they must start over from the beginning.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Discard any popped balloon pieces immediately to prevent a choking hazard.

The Rice Pan Bridge Cross

Steps:

Pour Rice into the Aluminium Foil Pan.
Place three Craft Sticks across the pan width to form narrow bridges.
Put a few small Blocks on the table next to the pan.
Give your child the Tongs to pick up one Block.
Challenge them to walk the Block across a Craft Stick bridge.
If the Block falls into the Rice, try again!
Deliver all the Blocks to the other side to win.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when playing with small blocks or rice. These materials can be a choking hazard. Ensure the pan is on a flat surface to prevent spills.

The Tongs and Tower Reach

Steps:

Place a bucket on a sturdy table or chair.
Put three bean bags on the floor next to a step stool.
Have your child stand safely on the step stool.
Ask them to hold the tongs with their favorite hand.
Challenge them to reach down and grab a bean bag with the tongs.
They must carefully stand back up and drop the bean bag into the bucket.
Repeat until all the bean bags are rescued!

Safety Tip:
Always ensure the step stool is on a flat surface and place it near a wall or adult for extra support if needed.

Foamy Pan Treasure Search

Steps:

Fill the aluminium foil pan with a thick layer of shaving cream. Spread it out to cover the whole bottom.
Sprinkle a handful of colorful sequins all over the foam. Use your fingers to push them down so they are hidden.
Give your child the tongs and the empty plastic container.
Ask your child to use the tongs to search through the foam and find the hidden gems.
Once they find a sequin, they must pick it up and drop it into the plastic container.
See if they can find all the colors of the rainbow!

Safety Tip:
Shaving cream can be irritating to the eyes. Always supervise closely. Ensure your child does not place the shaving cream or sequins in their mouth. Wash hands thoroughly after play.

Putty Pancake Decorators

Steps:

Give your child a large chunk of Theraputty or stiff playdough. Encourage them to use both hands to squeeze, mash, and roll it into a thick ‘pancake’ on the paper plate. Press hard for heavy work!
Ask your child to hold the paper plate firmly steady with their helper hand to keep the ‘pancake’ from sliding.
Pick up the tweezers or tongs. Use a strong pincer grasp to grab one small bead at a time.
Carefully aim the bead. Push it firmly and precisely into the resistant putty surface to create a colorful design or pattern.
Repeat the process until the entire putty pancake is covered in decorative beads. Try using different colors or sizes of beads.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Beads and Theraputty/Playdough are small objects. They pose a significant choking hazard for children who still place items in their mouths.