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.

Weighted Puck Push

Weighted Puck Push

Steps:

  • Prepare the ‘pucks’ by filling several small Ziplock Bags about 1/4 full with dry Beans or Rice. Seal them tightly.
  • Create a long ‘push stick’ by taping two Paper Rolls together end-to-end with Masking Tape to form a hockey stick.
  • Use Construction Paper and Masking Tape to create a goal on the floor about six feet away from the starting line.
  • Start in a half-kneeling position behind the pucks. Use the push stick to tap and guide one weighted puck at a time toward the goal.
  • Encourage the child to use the stick to sweep the pucks from their left side to their right side to practice Crossing Midline.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the playing area is clear of trip hazards. When using the long stick, remind the child to keep a safe distance from others and always supervise play.

Lid Lacing Challenge

Lid Lacing Challenge

Steps:

  • Secure a thin piece of foam sheet tightly over the lid of the plastic container using masking tape.
  • Use a marker to draw a pattern of small dots or a zigzag line across the foam sheet. These are your targets.
  • Give the child one golf tee. Challenge them to hold the tee using a neat pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger).
  • Encourage the child to push the tee straight through each marked dot, creating a lacing hole in the foam and the lid. The other hand must stabilize the container.
  • Once all holes are punched, remove the tees. Thread a piece of yarn through the holes, lacing across the foam to complete the pattern.
  • When they finish, gently pull the yarn out. Try drawing a different pattern for the next round.

Safety Tip:
Golf tees have pointed ends. Close adult supervision is required during all steps to ensure the tees and yarn are not placed in the mouth, nose, or ears.

Clip Chain Creation

Clip Chain Creation

Steps:

  • Tear the construction paper into small strips (about 3 inches long) or pre-cut them if tearing is difficult.
  • Use the markers to draw a simple pattern like stripes or dots on each paper strip.
  • Set up the area by tying one end of the yarn or string to a sturdy chair or door frame so it hangs down.
  • Pick up one paper clip using a strong pincer grasp (thumb and index finger).
  • Clip the first paper strip onto the end of the hanging yarn.
  • Use your opposite hand to stabilize the paper strip. Clip the next paper strip onto the first one, continuing until all strips form a long chain.

Safety Tip:
Paper clips are small objects. Close adult supervision is required for this age group to prevent choking hazards.

Precision Button Drop

Precision Button Drop

Steps:

  • Fold a piece of construction paper in half (hotdog style) to create a stand-up ‘Postbox’. Glue the edges shut.
  • Use scissors to cut a short, narrow slit (about 1.5 inches long) in the middle of the ‘Postbox’.
  • Place a pile of assorted buttons on the table next to the postbox.
  • Use a strong pincer grasp (thumb and index finger) to pick up one button.
  • Hold the paper box steady with your helper hand. Push the button into the narrow slot.
  • Try to fill the entire ‘Postbox’ with buttons!

Safety Tip:
Ensure the buttons are large enough not to be inhaled or swallowed. Always closely supervise the child, especially when using small manipulative objects and sharp tools like scissors.