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.

Sticky Roller Texture Wall

Steps:

  • Tape a large piece of construction paper vertically onto a wall or sturdy door.
  • Use masking tape (sticky side OUT) to create a large shape or design on the paper.
  • Place the dry beans or corn kernels into the plastic container next to your child.
  • Encourage your child to pick up the beans one by one using a strong pincer grasp.
  • Firmly press the beans onto the exposed sticky tape until the design is completely covered.
  • Use the paper roll as a roller. Hold the roll tightly and press down hard onto the textured beans.
  • Roll the paper roll up and down, applying maximum force to press the items deeply into the sticky surface.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Dry beans and corn kernels are small, hard objects. They pose a significant choking hazard for children under five. Ensure all materials are used only as intended and collected immediately after play.

Pom-Pom Pin Bouquet

Pom-Pom Pin Bouquet

Steps:

  • Secure the sponge firmly onto the piece of cardboard using masking tape underneath. This creates a stable and resistant base.
  • Place 2 or 3 pom-poms into the container. Challenge your child to thread these pom-poms onto one pipe cleaner, pushing them toward the center.
  • Hold the cardboard base firmly steady with your non-dominant hand (the helper hand).
  • Use a strong pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger) to grip the exposed end of the pipe cleaner pin.
  • Aim the pin at the sponge. Use a strong, controlled push to drive the pipe cleaner straight down into the resistant sponge base.
  • Repeat this threading and pushing process until your colorful pom-pom bouquet fills the entire sponge garden.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Pom-poms and cut pipe cleaners are small objects and pose a significant choking hazard for children under five. Ensure materials are used only as intended and collected immediately after play.

Weighted Clip Tower Build

Weighted Clip Tower Build

Steps:

  • Press a large lump of playdough firmly into the bottom of the container to create a stable, resistant base.
  • Ask your child to push 6 to 8 craft sticks vertically into the playdough base. Ensure they stand up straight like towers.
  • Take one clothespin. Use a strong squeeze to clip one bead securely onto the end of the clothespin. This is your weighted clip!
  • Challenge your child to hold the container steady with their helper hand to keep the towers from moving.
  • Using their dominant hand, squeeze the weighted clothespin open. Carefully clip the entire unit firmly onto one of the standing craft sticks.
  • Repeat the squeezing and clipping action until all the sticks are covered in colorful, weighted clips. Try removing them and repeating the process!

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Beads and playdough are small objects and pose a significant choking hazard for children under five. Ensure materials are kept away from the mouth, nose, and ears.

Wet Sponge Target Post

Wet Sponge Target Post

Steps:

  • Soak the sponge fully in water. Wring it out hard until it is only damp. Press the dense sponge firmly into the container base.
  • Use a craft stick to poke five starter holes straight through the resistant sponge. This creates the narrow targets.
  • Place the container on a stable table. Hold the container steady with your helper hand.
  • Pick up one pom-pom using a neat pincer grasp. Place it directly over a target hole.
  • Use the craft stick as a piston. Use a strong, controlled push to drive the pom-pom through the resistant sponge.
  • Repeat this powerful pushing action until all the pom-poms are posted inside the container.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Pom-poms are small objects and pose a significant choking hazard for children under five. Ensure materials are used only as intended and kept away from the mouth, nose, and ears.

Cardboard Hole Punch Pegging

Cardboard Hole Punch Pegging

Steps:

  • Adult Prep: Use scissors to cut several Q-Tips into short, 1-inch pegs. Fold a piece of thick cardboard firmly in half to create maximum resistance.
  • Use a marker to draw 8-10 target dots across the surface of the folded cardboard where the child should aim to punch.
  • Challenge your child to hold the cardboard firmly with their helper hand. Using strong finger force, squeeze the hole puncher onto each marker dot, creating a tight hole.
  • Once the holes are punched, place the short Q-Tip pegs into the container. Encourage your child to pick up one peg at a time using a neat pincer grasp.
  • Hold the cardboard steady with the non-dominant hand. Use a strong, controlled push to insert the Q-Tip peg straight through the resistant hole.
  • Continue this firm pushing action until all the punched holes have been successfully filled with colorful pegs.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Cut Q-Tips and small cardboard scraps are choking hazards for children under five. Adults must handle the scissors for preparation. Ensure the child only pushes the Q-Tip pegs into the designated holes and keeps materials away from the mouth, nose, and ears.