Learning to hold scissors correctly and guide them along a line while holding the paper steady with the other hand. This combines hand strength with coordination.
For this activity, you might want to use a one hole or a shaped hole puncher.
Have the child punch random holes on stiff paper/index cards using the hole puncher.
Promote the child to alternate squeezing the lever with their thumb and first finger, then thumb and middle finger, and so on. This will help in developing the small muscles of their hands in addition to thumb opposition.
Draw 2″ circles on the cardboard sheets. Cut them out, or let the child cut them if the cardboard is not too thick.
Instruct the child to cut 4 narrow slots on each circle, about 1/2″ deep, leaving about 1″ space between slots. Slots need to be as wide as the cardboard is.
Provide the child with different size paper rolls (i.e. toilet paper rolls, paper towels rolls, etc.).
Note: You can use one size roll and cut it into different sizes.
Instruct the child to cut 4 narrow slots on each edge of the roll, leaving about 1″ space between slots. Slots need to be as wide as the cardboard is.
Have the child color the paper rolls.
Let the child connect between the rolls to build structures and sculptures.
Draw 2-inch squiggly squares on the back of the paper plate.
Write sums that would equal either 10 or 5 in the boxes. Alternate the sums to create a pattern.
Gently color over the squares using green and yellow. Be sure to assign 5 the color yellow and 10 the color green or, vice versa.
Using a green construction paper, cut out the turtle’s head shape, 4 legs, and a tail.
Glue the turtles, head, legs, and tail onto the opposite side of the plate and glue on the eyes.
