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.

Tight Weave Screw Frame

Tight Weave Screw Frame

Steps:

  • Use the Markers to draw a sturdy frame or square onto the Cardboard. Use the Scissors to cut this frame out (parent assistance may be needed).
  • Take the Index Cards and cut them into long, colorful strips for weaving. Draw a simple pattern on them using markers.
  • Glue the beginning of each strip to the back of the Cardboard frame. Weave the strips tightly across the frame, then secure the ends with Glue on the back.
  • Using the Hole Puncher, squeeze hard to punch 4 holes straight through the woven layers and the Cardboard frame. This requires strong effort!
  • Stabilize the frame with your helper hand. Push a Bolt straight through one of the tight, punched holes.
  • Pick up a Nut with a precise Pincer Grasp. Twist the Nut firmly onto the Bolt until the woven strips are compressed tightly. Repeat until all holes are secured.

Safety Tip:
Constant adult supervision is required when using scissors. Ensure the child handles the nuts and bolts appropriately, keeping them away from the mouth, nose, and ears.

Spiral Twist Core Threading

Spiral Twist Core Threading

Steps:

  • Adult Step: Secure the paper roll horizontally onto the cardboard base using strong masking tape. This creates a stable ‘dowel’ for twisting.
  • Use the markers to draw colorful stripes or dots onto several index cards. Cut the decorated cards into long, narrow strips (about 1/2 inch wide).
  • Take one paper strip. Use your fingertips to curl and twist the strip tightly around itself to create a stiff, narrow spiral shape.
  • Secure the end of the paper spiral with a small amount of glue to keep the resistant shape from unrolling. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to make a pile of colorful spirals.
  • Hold the cardboard base firmly steady with your non-dominant hand. Pick up a paper spiral with your working hand.
  • Aim the spiral at the paper roll. Use a continuous twisting motion (like screwing in a lightbulb) to thread the spiral onto the roll, pushing it along the core.
  • Continue twisting and pushing the colorful spirals until the entire paper roll is covered in dense, textured art. Then, try unwinding them!

Safety Tip:
Constant adult supervision is required. Adults should manage the scissors for preparation. Ensure the child remains seated stably to focus on the fine motor movements and to prevent the board from tipping.

Putty Pancake Decorators

Putty Pancake Decorators

Steps:

  • Give your child a large chunk of Theraputty or stiff playdough. Encourage them to use both hands to squeeze, mash, and roll it into a thick ‘pancake’ on the paper plate. Press hard for heavy work!
  • Ask your child to hold the paper plate firmly steady with their helper hand to keep the ‘pancake’ from sliding.
  • Pick up the tweezers or tongs. Use a strong pincer grasp to grab one small bead at a time.
  • Carefully aim the bead. Push it firmly and precisely into the resistant putty surface to create a colorful design or pattern.
  • Repeat the process until the entire putty pancake is covered in decorative beads. Try using different colors or sizes of beads.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Beads and Theraputty/Playdough are small objects. They pose a significant choking hazard for children who still place items in their mouths.

Felt Roll & Clip Match

Felt Roll & Clip Match

Steps:

  • Use markers to draw a simple dot on one felt strip and a matching dot on one index card.
  • Place the felt strip flat. Roll the felt tightly around the pencil to create a dense, resistant cylinder.
  • Remove the pencil carefully while holding the felt roll firmly with your helper hand to keep the shape.
  • Pick up the paper clip using a strong pincer grasp (thumb and index finger).
  • Slide the paper clip onto the felt cylinder to secure the roll. This requires effort and focus.
  • Set the finished felt scroll onto the Index Card that has the matching marker dot. Repeat for all felt strips.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Small paper clips and felt scraps pose a potential choking hazard for children who still place objects in their mouths. Ensure all materials are collected immediately after play.

Tacky Track Bead Push

Tacky Track Bead Push

Steps:

  • First, draw a winding path or a thick circle onto the cardboard using a marker.
  • Use the glue bottle to carefully trace a thick, continuous line of liquid glue over the marked path. Controlled squeezing is key!
  • Immediately sprinkle a thick layer of dry beans onto the wet glue line. Press the beans down firmly and let the glue set for 5-10 minutes until it is very tacky, but not completely dry.
  • Place the cardboard on a table. Hold the cardboard firmly steady with your helper hand.
  • Pick up one small bead using a precise pincer grasp. Place the bead near the start of the tacky bean path.
  • Use the tip of a craft stick to push the bead along the resistant, sticky track. Use strong, sustained force to move the bead without lifting it.
  • Continue pushing the bead to the end of the path. Repeat the challenge by pushing more beads along the sticky line.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Small beads and dry beans pose a significant choking hazard for children who still place objects in their mouths. Ensure materials are used only as intended and collected immediately after play.