Executive Functioning - Page 2 of 3

Balloon Tap and Cup Sort

Steps:

Blow up a balloon and tie it tightly.
Place a basket on the carpet filled with five paper cups.
Set a second empty basket a short distance away.
Ask your child to tap the balloon into the air with their right hand.
While it is in the air, they must use their left hand to move one cup.
See how many cups they can move before the balloon hits the floor!

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required because balloons and their broken pieces are a serious choking hazard for young children.

The Yarn Star Weaver

Steps:

Glue two craft sticks together in the shape of a cross.
Wait for the glue to dry so the sticks are sturdy.
Tie the end of your yarn to the center of the cross.
Wrap the yarn once around one stick, then move to the next.
Continue this wrapping pattern until the star reaches your desired size.
Use scissors to cut the yarn and tie a final knot to finish.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is recommended while using scissors and glue. Ensure the craft sticks are smooth to prevent any small splinters.

The Button Balance Scale

Steps:

Lay a pencil flat on a table. Use a small piece of masking tape to stop it from rolling.
Place the middle of the ruler on top of the pencil. It should tilt back and forth like a seesaw.
Use your thumb and pointer finger to pick up a single button from your collection.
Place the button gently on one end of the ruler.
Now, try to place a second button on the other side to balance the weight.
When the ruler stays level without touching the table, your child has mastered the challenge of finding the center of gravity.
Keep adding buttons to see how many the scale can hold before it tips.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Buttons are a choking hazard. Keep them away from small children and pets at all times.

The Winding Rope Balance Walk

Steps:

Place the rope on the floor in a long, winding S shape.
Use masking tape to secure the rope at both ends so it doesn’t slide.
Put a step stool in the middle of the rope’s path.
Ask your child to walk slowly on top of the rope, keeping their feet on the line.
When they reach the step stool, they must step up and down without falling off the rope path.
Challenge them to walk the path backward for extra fun!

Safety Tip:
Ensure your child is wearing non-slip socks or has bare feet to prevent slipping. Keep the area clear of hard furniture while they are practicing.

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.