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.

Pom-Pom Popper Target Game

A preschooler playing the pom-pom popper game, demonstrating bilateral hand use and aiming toward a bucket target. | Close-up on child's hands loading a pom-pom into a paper cup launcher, highlighting fine motor control and visual motor skills.

Steps:

  • Adult Step: Use scissors to cut the bottom out of the paper cup. Cut the knot end off the balloon, then stretch the balloon tightly over the open bottom of the cup and secure it.”
  • “Place a bucket, basket, or cardboard box about five feet away to act as your target.”
  • “Show your child how to load a pom-pom into the top (uncovered) end of the cup launcher.”
  • “Have your child hold the cup firmly with one hand, pull the balloon knot back with the other hand, aim at the target, and release the knot to launch the pom-pom!”
  • “Count how many pom-poms land inside the target for some added sequencing practice.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is needed, especially during setup involving scissors. If the balloon breaks, immediately collect all pieces as broken balloons are a significant choking risk.

Fuzzy Target Toss

Preschool girl practices crossing midline by peeling pom-poms off a velcro felt target taped to a kitchen cabinet door for shoulder strengthening.
Prepare your materials! Place a small circle of Velcro (the hook side is usually best) on the back of several pom-poms. Place the loop side of the Velcro on a large piece of Felt to create your target.

Use Masking Tape to secure the Felt target to a vertical surface, like a door or the side of a tall bookshelf.
Place the target high enough so your child has to reach up or slightly across their body to aim.
Have your child stand back a few feet and gently toss the pom-poms at the target. Cheer them on as they try to get the fuzzy items to stick!
After all the pom-poms are tossed, have your child practice peeling them off. Encourage them to use both hands—one to stabilize the felt, and the other to peel the pom-pom.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the target surface is stable. If your child is jumping or reaching high, spot them gently. Always supervise to ensure pom-poms are not placed in the mouth.

The Gravity Trap Challenge

Step 1: Set the Foundation. Have your child build a medium-sized tower (about 10-15 blocks tall) on a sturdy surface. This foundation needs to be stable enough to handle tension.


Step 2: Create the Lever. Place an index card onto one of the upper layers of the tower, allowing a small portion of the card to hang slightly over the edge. This will be the unstable platform.


Step 3: Tie the Trap. Guide your child to tie a long piece of string to a block at the very base of the structure. Then, loop the string up and over the edge of the index card ‘lever’ created in Step 2.


Step 4: Place the Keystone. Identify one specific ‘keystone’ block and balance it precariously on the index card, positioned directly over the string loop. This is the block that must fall first.


Step 5: Execute the Plan! Have your child move several feet away, holding the free end of the string. The goal is to apply tension or a quick, smooth pull on the string to dislodge the keystone block, initiating a chain-reaction collapse of the entire tower. They must judge the exact force needed for success!


Step 6: Assess and Adjust. Discuss what worked and what didn’t. Did the tower fall as planned? If not, sequence the steps again and troubleshoot the structure or the tension.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the activity area is clear of trip hazards. Supervise closely when children are handling string to prevent accidental wrapping around the neck or fingers.

Foam Monster Feed

Foam Monster Feed

Steps:

  • An adult should cut out a large, fun shape from the Foam Sheet and Glue it securely onto the Plastic Container (this is the monster’s face).
  • Use Markers to draw a face. Then, carefully poke 10 to 15 small holes through the Foam and Container. The holes should be slightly smaller than the Pipe Cleaners for good resistance.
  • Place the container on the table. Ask your child to use one hand to firmly hold the container steady (proximal stability).
  • Challenge your child to use their dominant hand to pick up one Pipe Cleaner (the “monster snack”) using a precise Pincer Grasp.
  • Encourage them to push the pipe cleaner straight into one of the resistant holes to ‘feed’ the monster. The pushing provides great heavy work for their hands.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Pipe cleaners can have sharp ends after cutting or pose a mild choking hazard if put in the mouth. Ensure the bucket is stable before the child pushes the materials.

Clothespin Feather Match

Steps:

  • Prepare the ‘Clipping Creature’ by decorating the plastic container with markers.
  • Use index cards to draw and cut several long strips. These are your colorful ‘feathers.’
  • Draw small, matching colored dots on the rim of the container and on the ends of the clothespins (e.g., red dot on rim, red dot on pin).
  • Encourage your child to pinch open a clothespin. Clip a colorful index card feather onto it first.
  • Challenge them to clip the clothespin onto the container’s rim. The color on the pin must match the color dot on the container.

Safety Tip:
If the child is using scissors during step two, ensure constant adult supervision. Only use child-safe scissors.