Core Strength - OTPlan

The Under-Table Tissue Galaxy

Steps:

Tape a large piece of cardboard to the bottom of a stable surface at home.
Place loops of masking tape across the cardboard with the sticky side facing the floor.
Give your child several colorful squares of tissue paper to hold.
Ask them to lie down on their back under the cardboard.
Show them how to use their fingertips to crumple a paper square into a tight ball.
Challenge them to reach up and press the ball onto the sticky tape.
Keep adding more colors until the whole overhead board is a bright galaxy!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child while they are lying under furniture. Ensure the cardboard is taped securely so it does not fall. Keep all small paper balls away from the mouth to prevent choking.

Laundry Basket Sailboat

Steps:

Place a large laundry basket on a smooth floor like wood or tile.
Have your child sit inside the basket with their legs tucked in comfortably.
Give them a long pool noodle to hold with both hands like an oar.
Show them how to push the noodle against the floor to move the basket.
Encourage them to alternate pushing on the left and then the right side.
Use masking tape to mark a start and finish line for the race.

Safety Tip:
Supervise your child to keep the basket from tipping. Make sure the floor is clear of toys that could trip them up.

The Cardboard Paddle Balance Walk

Steps:

Cut a piece of cardboard into a square shape, about the size of a book.
Use masking tape to mark a start and finish line on the floor.
Place a ping pong ball in the center of the cardboard paddle.
Ask your child to hold the paddle with both hands at first.
Challenge them to walk from the start line to the finish line without the ball falling.
Once they are experts, have them try holding the paddle with only one hand!

Safety Tip:
Supervise your child during the activity to prevent any trips or falls on the floor.

Zigzag Beam Clip Challenge

Steps:

Lay out three long strips of cardboard in a zigzag line on the floor.
Use masking tape to stick the cardboard firmly to the ground.
Use markers to draw five small circles along the cardboard path.
Place a paper cup at the very end of the line.
Fill a plastic container with colorful pom-poms and place it at the start.
Give your child a handful of paper clips to hold in one hand.
Ask your child to walk slowly along the cardboard beam.
As they walk, they must place one pom-pom inside each drawn circle.
While standing on the beam, they must use pincer fingers to slide a paper clip onto the paper cup.
If they step off the cardboard, they have to go back to the start!

Safety Tip:
Ensure the floor area is clear of other toys to prevent tripping. Make sure the cardboard is taped flat so it is not slippery.

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.