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 Button Anchor Wind-Up

The Button Anchor Wind-Up

Steps:

  • Fill an empty milk container halfway with dry rice to make it heavy.
  • Tape the cap shut securely so the rice stays inside.
  • Cut a long piece of yarn, about three feet long.
  • Tape one end of the yarn to the bottom of the milk container.
  • Hand your child a button and show them how to thread the yarn through it.
  • Have your child hold the jug steady with one hand while winding the yarn once around the container.
  • Thread another button and wind the yarn again.
  • Continue until all the buttons are anchored onto the jug!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play as buttons and dry rice are choking hazards. Ensure the jug is on a stable surface to prevent it from falling on little toes.

The Drawbridge Pulley Master

The Drawbridge Pulley Master

Steps:

  • Get a small cardboard box and cut a rectangular door on one side.
  • Leave the bottom of the door attached so it flips down.
  • Poke two small holes at the top of the door.
  • Poke two more holes near the top of the box frame.
  • Thread a piece of yarn through the door and the box.
  • Tape a paper roll horizontally to the top of the box.
  • Tie the yarn ends to the paper roll.
  • Ask your child to twist the roll to lift the door.
  • Use a paper clip to clip the yarn to the box.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required for using scissors to cut the cardboard. Ensure the yarn is stored safely after play to prevent any entanglement risks.

The Shimmering Mosaic Lid Garden

The Shimmering Mosaic Lid Garden

Steps:

  • Place the plastic container on a flat table.
  • Use markers to draw grass and flower stems on the sides of the container.
  • Put long strips of masking tape across the lid with the sticky side facing up.
  • Secure the edges of the tape so it stays on the lid.
  • Have your child pick up one sequin using their thumb and pointer finger.
  • Press the sequin onto the sticky tape to make a flower on top of the stem.
  • Continue until the garden on the lid is full of colorful sequin flowers.

Safety Tip:
Sequins are very small and can be a choking hazard, so please supervise your child closely during play.

Sticky Stocking Treasure Walk

Sticky Stocking Treasure Walk

Steps:

  • Place several colorful pom-poms on a smooth floor area.
  • Take a long strip of masking tape.
  • Wrap it loosely around your toddler’s stocking-covered foot with the sticky side facing out.
  • Help your child stand up and hold your hands for balance.
  • Encourage them to step directly onto a pom-pom so it sticks to their foot.
  • Have them lift their foot to see the treasure they caught.
  • Ask them to use their hands to pull the pom-pom off and put it in a basket.
  • Switch to the other foot to keep both legs working hard!

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: Pom-poms and tape are small parts. Always supervise your toddler closely and ensure they do not put these items in their mouth.

The Masking Tape Spoon Scraper

The Masking Tape Spoon Scraper

Steps:

  • Start by sticking several long strips of masking tape onto a flat piece of cardboard.
  • Press the tape down very firmly so it is flat and tight.
  • Give your child a sturdy spoon to use as their scraping tool.
  • Ask them to use the edge of the spoon to lift the tape.
  • Encourage them to peel every piece of tape off the board completely.
  • Have them use their other hand to hold the cardboard steady while they work.
  • Finally, they can crumple the sticky tape into a ball to finish.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child while they are using the spoon to ensure it is used safely.