Eye-Hand Coordination - Page 18 of 34

Slot & Stitch Sculpture

Steps:

Prepare the structure ‘parts’ by cutting several index cards into different shapes (squares, rectangles, triangles). Then, cut small, narrow slots (about 1/4 inch deep) into the edges of each card. (Adult help required for cutting slots.)
Challenge your child to connect the slotted cards by sliding them into each other to create a 3D structure, like a tall building, a bridge, or a fun abstract sculpture.
Using the hole puncher, encourage your child to punch several holes around the edges of the assembled structure. Remind them to hold the structure steady with one hand while squeezing the puncher with the other to strengthen their grasp.
Give your child long pieces of yarn. Demonstrate how to weave the yarn through the punched holes to ‘stitch’ the structure together, reinforcing the corners and decorating their sculpture with color.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise the use of child-safe scissors. Yarn and small pieces of index card can pose a choking hazard for children who still mouth objects; ensure all pieces are kept away from the mouth.

Crumple Pin Bowling

Steps:

Build the ‘Crumple Pins’: Give the child 6 to 10 paper rolls (like toilet paper or paper towel rolls). Encourage them to use both hands to crumple each roll tightly into a dense, firm ‘pin’ shape. Secure each crumpled shape firmly with small pieces of masking tape to ensure they hold their structure.
Set up the Lane: Use masking tape to mark a ‘foul line’ on the floor. Arrange the crumpled pins in a triangle formation 5 to 10 feet away from the line (adjust distance based on space and skill level).
Bowl: Challenge the child to stand behind the line and roll the ball toward the pins, focusing on aiming and grading the force of their roll to knock down as many pins as possible.
Score and Reset: Count how many pins were knocked down. Encourage the child to reset the pins (sequencing and motor planning) before taking their next turn.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the bowling area is clear of furniture, toys, and other trip hazards. Encourage children to reset the pins safely without rushing or running.

Color Drop Towers

Steps:

Prepare the ‘towers’: Press a large lump of playdough firmly into the bottom of a Paper Cup or container. Flip the cup upside down so the playdough forms a stable base on the outside top.
Insert 6-8 Golf Ball Tees into the playdough base, blunt end first, so the narrow, hollow end points straight up (these are the ‘towers’ that need filling).
Create the colors: Fill several small bowls or Paper Cups with water and add a few drops of different Food Coloring to each one.
Show your child how to hold the eyedropper using their thumb and pointer finger (pincer grip) to suck up the colored water, reminding them to squeeze slowly for control.
Challenge your child to aim the dropper directly over one of the empty tee towers and release one drop of liquid at a time, slowly filling the narrow space. Try mixing colors by dropping red, then blue, into the same tower to watch them blend!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise closely. Ensure the child understands that the golf tees and playdough are not for eating or placing near the face.

Carousel Clip Spin

Steps:

Use markers to decorate the paper plate or cardboard circle (your carousel base).
Take 6 to 8 craft sticks. Use the clothespins to clip these sticks firmly around the edge of the plate. Make sure the sticks point straight out like spokes.
Place the plate on a stable surface. Use your helper hand to hold the plate steady.
Challenge your child to use their thumb and pointer finger to pinch and flick one of the craft sticks. The goal is to make the entire carousel spin slowly.
Try flicking different sticks to change the direction or speed of the spin. Focus on keeping the stabilizing hand still for a challenge.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the child maintains good posture. Encourage them to sit with their feet flat on the floor to promote core stability while working on this fine motor task.

Sticky Shape Press

Steps:

Use a marker to draw a large, simple shape (like a heart or square) onto the construction paper.
Tear a long strip of masking tape. Encourage your child to tear the tape into many small, postage stamp-sized pieces.
Challenge the child to use a precise pincer grasp to fill the drawn shape completely with the small tape pieces.
Pick up the craft stick. Show the child how to hold it like a pencil, keeping the wrist slightly bent backward (extended).
Use the craft stick to rub and press down firmly over every piece of tape. Applying strong pressure provides excellent heavy work for their hands.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Ensure the child understands the materials are only for crafting and not for placing in the mouth.