Distal Finger Control - Page 3 of 20

Tension Net Drop

Steps:

Adult Prep: Twist two pipe cleaners tightly together to make 3 to 4 thick, sturdy “bands.”
Stretch the pipe cleaner bands across the container opening. Crisscross them to create a tight, resistant net.
Use masking tape to anchor the ends firmly to the container sides.
Place the buttons and craft sticks nearby. Ask your child to pick up a button using their pincer grasp.
Hold the container firmly steady with their helper hand. This provides proximal stability.
Use the craft stick to aim the button at the resistant pipe cleaner net.
Encourage a strong, controlled push to send the button popping through the network.
Repeat until all buttons are successfully dropped inside.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Buttons, pipe cleaners, and craft sticks are small objects and pose a significant choking hazard for children who still place objects in their mouths. Ensure materials are used only as intended.

Sticky Sequin Tongs Pull

Steps:

Squeeze several small, thick dots of liquid glue onto a sturdy piece of cardboard.
Press one sequin firmly into the center of each wet glue dot. Let the glue set for 15 minutes until it is very tacky and resistant.
Ask your child to hold the cardboard steady with their non-dominant (helper) hand to stabilize the base.
Use the tongs to firmly pinch one sequin. Encourage them to hold the tongs like a pencil.
Use a strong, controlled pull to peel the sticky dot completely off the cardboard surface.
Transfer the rescued sequin and drop it precisely into the empty container target. Repeat until all the dots are pulled free!

Safety Tip:
Sequins and small glue dots are tiny materials. Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Ensure all small pieces are collected immediately after play, as they pose a choking hazard.

Sticky Feather Knockdown Challenge

Steps:

Secure a piece of cardboard vertically onto a stable wall or door using masking tape.
Use strips of masking tape, sticky side OUT, to create a large landing zone at the bottom of the cardboard.
Lightly secure several feathers across the upper area of the cardboard using small pieces of masking tape. They should be easy to knock off.
Fill the trigger style spray bottle with water. Encourage the child to hold the bottle firmly.
Aim the stream of water directly at one of the feather targets. Squeeze the trigger hard to knock the feather down.
The goal is to aim the feather so it falls into the sticky landing zone below. Repeat until all feathers are rescued.
Collect the rescued feathers and repeat the challenge by sticking them back onto the cardboard.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Ensure the child aims the water stream only at the target and never towards people or electrical outlets. Confirm the cardboard is securely fastened and cannot fall during play.

Sticky Rice Push-Through

Steps:

Prep the Pucks: Squeeze a small circle of glue onto an Index Card. Sprinkle a thick layer of dry Rice onto the glue and press it down firmly. Let the glue set for 15 minutes until tacky.
Adult Prep: Use scissors to cut a tight, narrow slot (about 1.5 inches long) into the Container lid. Secure the lid tightly onto the container with Masking Tape.
Tear the Index Card into small squares, making sure each rice/glue spot stays centered on its own small piece.
Stabilize: Ask the child to hold the container firmly steady with their helper hand on the table.
Load and Deliver: Pick up one Craft Stick. Use the stick to push the resistant, sticky rice puck straight through the narrow slot. Repeat this until all pucks are delivered!

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Dry rice is a small material and poses a choking hazard for children who still place objects in their mouths. Ensure materials are used only as intended.

Sticky Sponge Dot Press

Steps:

Place the thick sponge securely inside the plastic container to keep it stable.
Peel the backing off the small sticky Velcro dots. Press them firmly onto the top surface of the sponge.
Pour the small beads or buttons into a separate small pile next to the sponge.
Ask your child to hold the container steady with their helper hand to stabilize the base.
Use their working hand to pick up one bead using a precise pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger).
Aim the bead at one of the Velcro targets. Use a strong, controlled press to stick the bead onto the rough Velcro dot.
Repeat the pressing action until all the Velcro dots are successfully covered in colorful beads.

Safety Tip:
Small beads and Velcro pieces are potential choking hazards. Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Ensure all materials are collected and stored safely after play.