Bilateral Hand Use - Page 59 of 94

Paper Crease Tunnels

Steps:

Adult Step: Use scissors to cut 8-10 narrow slits across the top surface of the egg carton. The slits should be tight, offering resistance.
Draw several long, 1-inch wide strips onto the construction paper using a marker. Encourage your child to use their helper hand to cut carefully along the lines.
Take one paper strip. Fold it in half lengthwise and press the crease very firmly. This makes a tight V-shape or ‘tunnel.’
Hold the egg carton steady with the non-dominant hand. Use the dominant hand to aim the folded paper tunnel at a narrow slot.
Challenge your child to push the stiff paper all the way through the slot. Continue until the entire egg carton is full of paper tunnels!

Safety Tip:
Maintain constant adult supervision, especially during the preparation phase involving scissors. Although the paper pieces are large, ensure small torn scraps are collected immediately and kept away from the mouth.

Strong Punch Lacing Board

Steps:

Prep the cardboard by covering it with colored construction paper if desired. Use a marker to draw a simple shape or pattern on the board.
Hold the cardboard firmly with your helper hand. Challenge your child to squeeze the hole puncher hard to create holes around the drawn shape.
Cut a long piece of yarn. Tie one end of the yarn securely onto the first punched hole.
Thread the yarn through the holes, using both hands together to push and pull the string. Try to follow the drawn pattern.
When you reach the end, encourage your child to practice tying the two loose ends of the yarn into a simple knot. They must use precise pincer grips to manage the string.

Safety Tip:
Maintain constant adult supervision. Hole punchers can pinch fingers if not used properly. Small yarn pieces are a potential choking hazard for children who still place objects in their mouths.

Sticky Bean Rescue

Steps:

Take a handful of Theraputty and hide the dry beans deep inside it. Mash the putty into a firm ball.
Press the putty firmly into the bottom of the plastic container. This keeps the sticky base steady for the rescue mission.
Pick up the tongs. Use them to carefully grip one bean at a time and pull it straight out of the sticky putty.
Transfer the rescued beans into a separate pile on the table. Count how many beans you saved!
If a bean is too deep or stubborn, use a craft stick to gently loosen it from the putty before trying again with the tongs.

Safety Tip:
Beans and Theraputty are small objects. Maintain constant adult supervision during this activity, as these materials pose a choking hazard for children under five. Ensure the child washes hands after using the putty.

Plate Spin Targets

Steps:

Use markers to draw 4-6 small, bright dots (targets) randomly across the surface of the paper plate.
Flip the plate over. Use masking tape to secure a craft stick firmly to the center back as a spin handle.
Have your child place the plate on the table. They use one hand to grasp the craft stick handle.
Challenge your child to spin the plate quickly using their hand (practicing forearm rotation).
While the plate is spinning, they must try to quickly tap the center of a colored dot using the pointer finger of their other hand.
Try switching hands! Use the non-dominant hand to spin and the dominant hand to tap the moving targets.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the plate and handle are securely fastened. Supervise closely to ensure the child keeps their fingers clear of the spinning parts to avoid minor scrapes.

Card Flipper Launch

Steps:

Hold the index card firmly with your helper hand. Cut 3 short, narrow slits across the center of the card using scissors. Keep the slits straight and tight.
Take a craft stick (the lever). Carefully push the stick through all three narrow slits. The stick should bend the card into a slight spring shape.
Set the lever structure down flat on the table. Place a bead onto the end of the craft stick using your thumb and pointer finger (pincer control).
Hold the index card base steady with your helper hand. Use one finger from your dominant hand to press the craft stick down slightly. Quickly release it to launch the bead toward the container target.

Safety Tip:
Beads are very small and pose a significant choking hazard. Close adult supervision is required throughout the entire activity. Ensure all small materials are collected and stored safely after play.