Skill: Distal Finger Control

The ability to move just the very tips of the fingers while keeping the rest of the hand steady. This is key for small, precise movements like writing or buttoning.

Precision Glue Constellations

Precision Glue Constellations

Steps:

  • Draw a constellation map on the construction paper. Use a marker to draw 8-10 dots (stars) and number them sequentially.
  • Glue the map to the cardboard base to keep it stable. Place the sequins in a small, shallow container.
  • Hold the glue bottle like a pencil. Starting at dot number one, squeeze the glue bottle with controlled force to draw a neat line to dot number two.
  • Continue connecting all the numbered dots with a thin line of glue, working on steady pressure to keep the line smooth.
  • Immediately sprinkle the sequins over the wet glue lines, covering the entire constellation path. Shake off the excess and admire your starry art!

Safety Tip:
Glue and sequins are non-toxic but require supervision. Ensure the child washes hands immediately after play and does not put sequins near the face or mouth.

Foam Sheet Architect

Foam Sheet Architect

Steps:

  • Use the markers to draw several simple shapes (squares or triangles) onto the Foam Sheets.
  • Use child-safe scissors to cut out the foam shapes. Hold the foam steady with your helper hand while cutting along the lines.
  • Choose two cut foam shapes. Hold them together firmly at the edge where you want to connect them.
  • Pick up one Golf Ball Tee. Push the pointy end through the edges of both foam shapes to connect them firmly. The tee acts as a sturdy connector.
  • Continue connecting shapes with tees until you have built a free-standing structure, like a tower or cube. Try to make your structure as tall as possible!

Safety Tip:
Golf tees have sharp points. Always supervise the child closely. Ensure all tees are collected immediately after play.

Cactus Needle Push

Cactus Needle Push

Steps:

  • Press the Theraputty firmly into the bottom of the container. This creates a stable, resistant ‘desert floor’ for your cactus garden.
  • Break the dry spaghetti into short, 2-inch pieces. Breaking the spaghetti gives the hands extra feedback and motor planning practice.
  • Hold the container steady with your helper hand. Use your dominant hand to pick up one spaghetti piece (a ‘needle’).
  • Push the needle straight down into the putty. Encourage a strong, controlled push to insert it without breaking it.
  • Plant many needles close together to make a spiky cactus texture. Fill the entire putty surface!
  • Select a small pom-pom using your precise pincer grasp. Carefully place the pom-pom onto the top of a spaghetti needle to create a colorful ‘cactus flower’.

Safety Tip:
Spaghetti pieces are sharp when broken. Always supervise closely. Uncooked spaghetti, small pom-poms, and putty are choking hazards for children who still place objects in their mouths. Ensure all materials are collected immediately after play.

Slot Stuff Hedgehog

Slot Stuff Hedgehog

Steps:

  • Adult Prep: Use scissors to cut 8 to 10 short, narrow slits across the surface of the paper roll. These are the spine holes.
  • Decorate the roll using markers to give your hedgehog a cute face and body.
  • Tear the construction paper into many long, thin strips. Tearing wakes up finger and hand muscles.
  • Pick up the paper roll with your helper hand to keep it steady on the table.
  • Stuff one end of a paper strip into a spine hole using your dominant hand fingers.
  • Use a craft stick to gently push the paper strip completely inside the narrow slot. This requires precise force.
  • Continue stuffing paper spines into all the slots until your hedgehog is fully covered in soft spikes!

Safety Tip:
Adults must perform the scissor cutting for the narrow slots. Supervise closely to ensure small pieces of torn paper are not put in the mouth.

Water Wipe Tracing

Water Wipe Tracing

Steps:

  • Draw 3-4 large shapes (circle, square, triangle) on the chalkboard or vertical board using chalk or a marker.
  • Fill the spray bottle with water. Ensure the nozzle is set to stream, not mist, to provide resistance.
  • Challenge your child to hold the bottle with both hands first, then switch to one hand. Focus on using strong fingers to squeeze the trigger.
  • Aim the water stream at the drawn shapes. Spray directly onto the lines, “erasing” them by following the path.
  • Encourage strong, controlled squeezes to strengthen the hand muscles.

Safety Tip:
Supervise the activity closely to ensure water is not sprayed toward faces. Ensure the child stands stably while reaching for the vertical surface.