Skill: Eye-Hand Coordination

The way the eyes guide the hands to do a task. This helps your child catch a ball, write on a line, or stack blocks without knocking them over.

The Cardboard Paddle Balance Walk

The Cardboard Paddle Balance Walk

Steps:

  • Cut a piece of cardboard into a square shape, about the size of a book.
  • Use masking tape to mark a start and finish line on the floor.
  • Place a ping pong ball in the center of the cardboard paddle.
  • Ask your child to hold the paddle with both hands at first.
  • Challenge them to walk from the start line to the finish line without the ball falling.
  • Once they are experts, have them try holding the paddle with only one hand!

Safety Tip:
Supervise your child during the activity to prevent any trips or falls on the floor.

The Ribbon Tail Balloon Catch

The Ribbon Tail Balloon Catch

Steps:

  • Blow up a bright balloon and tie it tightly.
  • Cut four long strips of ribbon using your scissors.
  • Tape the ribbons to the bottom of the balloon.
  • Toss the balloon high into the air.
  • Ask your child to catch the balloon by the ribbons.
  • See how many times they can catch it before it lands!

Safety Tip:
Always watch your child when playing with balloons. Broken pieces are a choking hazard. Throw away any popped balloons right away.

Zigzag Beam Clip Challenge

Zigzag Beam Clip Challenge

Steps:

  • Lay out three long strips of cardboard in a zigzag line on the floor.
  • Use masking tape to stick the cardboard firmly to the ground.
  • Use markers to draw five small circles along the cardboard path.
  • Place a paper cup at the very end of the line.
  • Fill a plastic container with colorful pom-poms and place it at the start.
  • Give your child a handful of paper clips to hold in one hand.
  • Ask your child to walk slowly along the cardboard beam.
  • As they walk, they must place one pom-pom inside each drawn circle.
  • While standing on the beam, they must use pincer fingers to slide a paper clip onto the paper cup.
  • If they step off the cardboard, they have to go back to the start!

Safety Tip:
Ensure the floor area is clear of other toys to prevent tripping. Make sure the cardboard is taped flat so it is not slippery.

The Cardboard Compass Navigator

The Cardboard Compass Navigator

Steps:

  • Use your scissors to cut a large square out of cardboard for your map base.
  • Draw a colorful landscape with markers including a river and a forest.
  • Glue a craft stick at each edge of the board and label them North, South, East, and West.
  • Use a pencil to poke a tiny hole right in the center of your map.
  • Thread a piece of string through one button and then through the hole in the cardboard.
  • Tie a thick knot on the back of the board so the button stays attached.
  • Ask your child to rest their palm on the cardboard without lifting it.
  • They must use their thumb and index finger to slide the button to different targets.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they are using scissors or small buttons.

The Foil Pan Bead Scoop

The Foil Pan Bead Scoop

Steps:

  • Place the aluminium foil pan on a flat table.
  • Fill the pan about halfway with cool water.
  • Drop a handful of colorful beads into the water.
  • Give your toddler a sturdy spoon to hold.
  • Ask them to scoop up one bead at a time.
  • Challenge them to carry the bead to a nearby bowl.
  • Drop the rescued bead into the empty bowl.
  • Continue until all the beads are moved out of the water!

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: Beads are small parts. Always supervise your toddler closely and ensure they do not put beads in their mouth.