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.

Bottle Galaxy Weaver

Bottle Galaxy Weaver

Steps:

  • Wash and dry an empty plastic bottle.
  • Remove the label so you can see inside clearly.
  • Use a hole puncher to make six holes around the top of the bottle.
  • Punch six more holes near the bottom of the bottle.
  • Cut several pieces of yarn into long strips.
  • Tie a bead to one end of a yarn piece to act as a star.
  • Thread the yarn through a top hole and pull it across to a bottom hole.
  • Add more beads as you weave through different holes.
  • Crumple small strips of index cards and push them into the bottle first to act as planets.
  • Challenge your child to weave the yarn so the stars rest on the planets.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise children when using a hole puncher. Beads are a choking hazard. Keep them away from younger siblings.

Paper Plate Target Disc

Paper Plate Target Disc

Steps:

  • Use your scissors to cut three circles from a single paper plate. These are your flying discs.
  • Decorate each disc with bright markers to make them easy to see.
  • Place your laundry basket in the middle of a clear floor area.
  • Use masking tape to mark a start line a few feet away from the basket.
  • Have your child stand behind the line and hold a disc with one hand.
  • Show them how to hold the cardboard base steady with their other hand to act as a launch pad.
  • Ask them to use their index finger to flick the paper disc toward the basket.
  • Challenge them to get all three discs inside the basket in a row!
  • Move the start line further back once they become an expert launcher.

Safety Tip:
Always ensure the play area is clear of breakable items before launching your paper discs. Adult supervision is recommended to manage the use of scissors.

The Pincer Slider Box Maze

The Pincer Slider Box Maze

Steps:

  • Take the lid off your shoe box.
  • Use markers to draw a path on the bottom.
  • Cut your straws into small and medium pieces.
  • Tape the straw pieces along the lines of your path.
  • These straw walls will create a maze.
  • Place one small button at the start of the maze.
  • Use your thumb and pointer finger to slide the button.
  • Carefully move the button through the straw tunnels to finish.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Small buttons are a choking hazard, so keep them away from younger siblings.

Tension Track Ball Glide

Tension Track Ball Glide

Steps:

  • Cut a large rectangle of cardboard for your base.
  • Use markers and a ruler to draw a straight road down the center.
  • Cut a smaller cardboard square to serve as your delivery cart.
  • Use the tip of your scissors to poke two small holes on opposite sides of the cart.
  • Thread a long piece of string through both holes so the cart can slide.
  • Use masking tape to secure the four ends of the strings to the base corners.
  • Balance a ping pong ball on top of the small cart.
  • Pull the strings outward to glide the cart safely to the finish line!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when using scissors. Ensure the string is stored away after play to prevent any risk.

Sticky Balloon Treasure Peel

Sticky Balloon Treasure Peel

Steps:

  • Blow up a balloon and tie it securely.
  • Wrap several strips of masking tape around the balloon.
  • Make sure the sticky side faces outward.
  • Press several cotton balls onto the sticky tape.
  • Ask your child to hold the balloon with their helper hand.
  • Have them use their other hand to peel the cotton balls off.
  • Drop the rescued cotton balls into a basket.

Safety Tip:
Balloons and broken pieces are a serious choking hazard. Always watch your child and pick up popped pieces right away.