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.

Layered Cardboard Pin Weave

Layered Cardboard Pin Weave

Steps:

  • Prep the surface by taping two Index Cards tightly together. Secure this layered card firmly onto a piece of Cardboard using Masking Tape.
  • Use a Marker to draw 8 to 10 small target dots across the layered card. Ensure the targets are spaced out.
  • Challenge your child to hold the cardboard base steady with their helper hand to stabilize the work area.
  • Pick up one Q-Tip using a strong pincer grasp. Aim the Q-Tip at a target dot.
  • Use a strong, controlled push to pierce the Q-Tip completely through the resistant layered cards and into the cardboard base. This takes effort!
  • Once all dots are pierced, gently remove the Q-Tips. Pick up a stiff Pipe Cleaner and thread it through the newly created holes to weave a colorful pattern.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Q-Tips and cut pipe cleaner pieces are small materials and pose a potential choking hazard for young children. Adults should manage the scissors for preparation.

Vertical Target Poke

Vertical Target Poke

Steps:

  • Secure a sturdy piece of Cardboard vertically onto a stable wall or door using Masking Tape. This sets up your vertical work surface.
  • Use a Marker to draw 10 small target dots randomly across the Cardboard surface where your child should aim.
  • Tape a piece of Foam Sheet firmly onto the back of the Cardboard, covering the target dot area. This provides resistance when pushing.
  • Encourage your child to pick up a Q-Tip using a neat pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger).
  • Ask them to aim the cotton tip of the Q-Tip at a marker dot.
  • Use a strong, controlled push to pierce the Cardboard and plant the Q-Tip deep into the resistant Foam backing. Feel the effort!
  • Repeat this heavy work until all target dots are successfully filled with Q-Tips.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Q-Tips are small materials and pose a potential choking hazard for children under five. Ensure the vertical board is secured firmly before beginning the activity.

Marshland Cotton Ball Tug

Marshland Cotton Ball Tug

Steps:

  • In the container, mix liquid glue and sand thoroughly to create a thick, resistant ‘marsh mud’.
  • Spread the marsh mud mixture thickly onto the cardboard base to create a dense layer.
  • Press 10 to 12 cotton balls halfway into the wet mixture, ensuring they are stuck firmly. Allow the cardboard to dry completely (12 to 24 hours) until the surface is very hard.
  • Place the dried ‘marshland’ board on a stable table. Challenge your child to hold the cardboard firmly steady with their helper hand.
  • Pick up one craft stick using a firm pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger).
  • Aim the stick and wedge the tip underneath a stuck cotton ball.
  • Use a strong, controlled tug to pull the cotton ball free from the resistant marsh mud. Repeat this forceful pulling action until all the cotton balls are rescued.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Cotton balls and craft sticks are small objects and pose a potential choking hazard for young children. Ensure all materials are used only as intended and collected immediately after play.

Putty Spool Force Push

Putty Spool Force Push

Steps:

  • Adult Prep: Press a large lump of stiff playdough firmly into the bottom of the container to create a stable base.
  • Adult Prep: Twist 5 to 6 short pieces of yarn tightly into small loops. Embed these yarn loops halfway into the surface of the playdough, ensuring they are resistant.
  • Ask your child to hold the container firmly steady with their helper hand to stabilize the base on the table.
  • Pick up one craft stick. Encourage a firm, three-finger or pincer grip on the stick.
  • Aim the stick at a resistant yarn loop embedded in the playdough base.
  • Use a strong, controlled push to drive the stick straight through the yarn and deep into the resistant playdough. Feel the effort!
  • Repeat this action until all the yarn loops have a stick pushed through them. Pull them out quickly for extra heavy work!

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Playdough, yarn, and craft sticks are small objects and pose a choking hazard for children who still place items in their mouths. Ensure materials are used only as intended.

Tee-Weave Card Creator

Tee-Weave Card Creator

Steps:

  • Fold three index cards tightly in half to create one thick, sturdy base. Press hard along the fold for maximum resistance.
  • Use the hole puncher to squeeze and punch 6 to 8 starter holes along the edges of the folded card. Squeezing the puncher requires strength!
  • Hold the thick card steady with your helper hand to keep it stabilized on the table.
  • Pick up one golf tee using a strong pincer grasp. Aim the tee at one of the punched holes.
  • Use a strong, controlled push to pierce the tee completely through the layered cardboard base. Remove the tee.
  • Repeat this forceful piercing action until all punched holes have been filled with tees and then removed.
  • Pick up a stiff pipe cleaner and use your fingertips to lace it through the newly pierced holes, creating a colorful pattern.

Safety Tip:
Golf ball tees have pointed ends. Constant adult supervision is required. Ensure the child pushes the tee straight down into the card, away from the face or body.