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 Ribbon Slider

The Cardboard Ribbon Slider

Steps:

  • Help your child cut a rectangular piece of cardboard about the size of a book.
  • Adult step: Use scissors to poke three narrow slots across the middle of the cardboard.
  • Make sure the slots are just wide enough for your ribbon to pass through.
  • Thread a long piece of ribbon through the first slot from the back to the front.
  • Guide the ribbon back through the second slot, and then out through the third.
  • Tie a small knot at each end of the ribbon so it cannot be pulled all the way out.
  • Use masking tape to secure the cardboard to the table if it slides too much.
  • Have your child use one hand to hold the cardboard and the other to pull the ribbon.
  • Encourage them to pull the ribbon back and forth through the slots until they finish.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when using scissors or handling long pieces of ribbon.

The Cardboard Tube Ball Lift

The Cardboard Tube Ball Lift

Steps:

  • Place a tennis ball on a flat floor or rug.
  • Give your child two long cardboard paper towel rolls.
  • Ask your child to hold one roll in each hand.
  • Challenge them to squeeze the ball between the ends of the paper rolls.
  • Once they have a firm grip, lift the ball off the ground.
  • Ask them to walk slowly toward a basket a few feet away.
  • Carefully release the ball into the basket without using their hands.
  • Repeat the challenge with balls of different sizes!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during this activity to prevent them from tripping. Ensure the floor is clear of other toys.

The Sticky Straw Chimney

The Sticky Straw Chimney

Steps:

  • Tape the bottom of a paper roll to a stable table.
  • Wrap masking tape around the roll with the sticky side out.
  • Give your child a bunch of colorful straws to hold.
  • Have them press each straw vertically onto the sticky tape.
  • Ask them to build a full circle of straws around the roll.
  • Drop fluffy cotton balls through the top of your straw chimney.
  • See if you can catch the balls as they pop out!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play to ensure they do not put straws or cotton balls in their mouth.

The Card Link Arch

The Card Link Arch

Steps:

  • Place the paper cup upside down on a flat table.
  • Pick up two index cards with your helper hand.
  • Slide a paper clip onto the edges to join the cards.
  • Repeat this to make a long chain of four or five cards.
  • Curve the cards over the cup to form a bridge.
  • Add extra clips to the bottom of the end cards for weight.
  • Slide the cup out slowly to see if the arch stays up.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the child remains seated at the table and uses only the craft materials.

The Woven Stick Bridge

The Woven Stick Bridge

Steps:

  • Cut a long, narrow rectangle from a piece of sturdy cardboard.
  • Glue several craft sticks across the rectangle, leaving small gaps.
  • Wait for the glue to dry until the sticks are very firm.
  • Tie a piece of colorful yarn to the first craft stick.
  • Weave the yarn over the first stick and under the second one.
  • Continue the pattern until you reach the end of the bridge.
  • Use markers to draw a scene with water under the bridge.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they use scissors or handle yarn.