Eye-Hand Coordination - Page 19 of 34

Stick Target Launch

Steps:

Set up the launcher: Use masking tape to secure one end of a craft stick firmly onto the top edge of a small box. Leave the majority of the stick sticking out like a lever.
Create the target zone by using masking tape to mark a square or circle on the construction paper. Place the paper a short distance from the launch box.
Load the launcher by placing a pom-pom near the free end of the craft stick. Use a precise pincer grasp to place it gently.
Ask your child to hold the box steady with their non-dominant (helper) hand to provide stability for the launch.
Challenge them to use their dominant hand’s index finger to flick the end of the craft stick, aiming to launch the pom-pom onto the target.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise this activity closely. Pom-poms are small and pose a choking hazard for children who still place objects in their mouths. Ensure all small pieces are collected after play.

Foil Drip Maze

Steps:

Prepare the maze surface: Cover a flat piece of cardboard entirely with aluminum foil, crimping the edges up slightly to create a sturdy, shallow tray (this is your waterproof maze board).
Use markers to draw a simple maze or a winding path on the foil surface. Draw a start circle and a finish circle for the water drop to travel between.
Mix a small amount of water with food coloring in a container. Demonstrate how to load the eyedropper by squeezing the bulb using a neat pincer grasp (thumb and index finger) and drawing up the colored water.
Challenge your child to hold the eyedropper over the start circle and release a single drop. Then, they must carefully angle the tray (bilateral hands) and/or use the eyedropper to push the drop along the marker-drawn path to the finish line, practicing fine control and precision.

Safety Tip:
Ensure close supervision as small objects (like eyedropper parts) and colored water are used. Always supervise to prevent ingestion of materials.

Stick Flag Thread

Steps:

Use markers to color the craft sticks in three different colors (e.g., red, blue, green).
An adult should cut the paper roll into 3-inch sections. Use a hole puncher to create 6 to 8 holes randomly around each section.
Help your child take index cards and draw a matching colored dot on each one. Cut a small slit into the center of each card (these are your flags).
Challenge your child to hold the paper roll steady with their helper hand. They use their other hand to thread a colored stick straight through one of the holes.
Once the stick is threaded, they must find the matching colored index card flag. Ask them to slide the flag onto the exposed end of the stick.
Continue threading sticks and matching flags until the entire paper roll is covered in colorful flags!

Safety Tip:
Adults must handle the scissors and hole puncher during preparation. Supervise the activity to ensure the child does not put the craft sticks near their eyes or mouth.

Pillow Bridge Balance

Steps:

Set up a ‘Pillow Bridge’ by placing a large, firm pillow or cushion on the floor (use a couch cushion if available).
Place a small stack of craft sticks within easy reach on the floor on one side of the pillow. Place 3-4 empty paper cups on the floor just beyond comfortable reaching distance on the opposite side.
Ask your child to lie on their stomach over the pillow, draping their body so their belly and hips are supported (this is called prone extension).
Encourage your child to reach across the ‘bridge’ with both hands to pick up a craft stick, then stretch forward to place the stick carefully into one of the empty cups. Try to fill all the cups!
To add a challenge, move the cups slightly further away or ask them to sort the sticks by color into different cups, encouraging sustained reaching.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise this activity closely. Ensure the pillow is stable and soft enough for comfortable support. Stop the activity if your child experiences neck strain or fatigue. They should lift their head and chest, keeping their shoulders engaged.

Ribbon Ring Tie

Steps:

Adult Prep: Use the hole puncher to create 8 to 10 holes evenly around the rim of the plastic container. Cut the ribbon into short, 6-inch strips.
Place the container on the table. Encourage your child to use their non-dominant hand to hold the container steady (proximal stability).
Take one ribbon strip and thread one end through a punched hole using their dominant hand’s fingertips.
Challenge your child to grasp both ribbon ends tightly with their thumb and pointer finger, pulling them to tie a simple knot or loop around the edge of the container.
Repeat this process, tying colorful ribbons onto every hole around the container to create a decorative, ‘fringed’ look.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is essential. Small pieces of ribbon pose a choking hazard if placed in the mouth. Ensure the child focuses only on the tying task.