Skill: Bilateral Hand Use

The ability to use both hands together as a team. We use this for almost everything, like holding the paper with one hand while cutting with the other, or buttoning a shirt.

The Cardboard Box Texture Tunnel

The Cardboard Box Texture Tunnel

Steps:

  • Use masking tape to connect two large boxes to create a long, sturdy tunnel.
  • Cut the flaps off both ends so your child has a clear path to crawl through.
  • Use tape to secure different pieces of fabric to the bottom of the tunnel.
  • Stick several soft cotton balls to the inner walls of the box using glue or tape.
  • Encourage your child to crawl through the tunnel and touch the various textures.
  • Talk about the sensations, asking if the walls feel soft, fuzzy, or smooth.

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: Cotton balls are small parts. Always supervise your toddler closely and ensure they do not pull them off to put in their mouth.

Paper Plate Target Disc

Paper Plate Target Disc

Steps:

  • Use your scissors to cut three circles from a single paper plate. These are your flying discs.
  • Decorate each disc with bright markers to make them easy to see.
  • Place your laundry basket in the middle of a clear floor area.
  • Use masking tape to mark a start line a few feet away from the basket.
  • Have your child stand behind the line and hold a disc with one hand.
  • Show them how to hold the cardboard base steady with their other hand to act as a launch pad.
  • Ask them to use their index finger to flick the paper disc toward the basket.
  • Challenge them to get all three discs inside the basket in a row!
  • Move the start line further back once they become an expert launcher.

Safety Tip:
Always ensure the play area is clear of breakable items before launching your paper discs. Adult supervision is recommended to manage the use of scissors.

Newspaper Ring Launchers

Newspaper Ring Launchers

Steps:

  • Help your child roll a single sheet of newspaper diagonally into a tight, long tube.
  • Wrap masking tape around the top, middle, and bottom to keep the paper firm.
  • Cut a large circle out of the center of a cardboard piece for a target.
  • Use ribbon to hang the cardboard ring from a stable doorway or chair.
  • Mark a throw line on the floor with tape a few feet away.
  • Challenge your child to throw their newspaper tube through the center of the ring.
  • Move the line further back to make the game harder as they improve.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is recommended to ensure the child throws safely and the area is clear of breakable items.

Heavy Roll Cotton Sweep

Heavy Roll Cotton Sweep

Steps:

  • Adult: Fill an empty paper roll halfway with dry rice.
  • Use several layers of masking tape to seal the ends.
  • Child: Stand up and hold the roll with both hands.
  • Place a few cotton balls on a smooth floor.
  • Use the heavy roll to push the balls toward the basket.
  • Try to keep the roll straight so the balls don’t escape.
  • Reach the basket to win the game!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your toddler during play. Small rice grains are a choking hazard. Ensure the tape is very secure.

The Static Magic Paper Lift

The Static Magic Paper Lift

Steps:

  • Help your child tear the tissue paper into very small, light pieces.
  • Place all the tiny paper bits into a pile on a flat table.
  • Blow up the balloon and tie it tightly for your child.
  • Have your child rub the balloon quickly against their hair.
  • Hold the balloon just above the paper bits and watch them jump up!
  • Challenge your child to move the stuck paper over to an empty bowl.
  • Use your fingers to peel the paper off and start again.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required when using balloons. Immediately pick up and discard any broken balloon pieces to keep your child safe.