Skill: Fine Motor Control

Using the small muscles in the hands and wrists to make precise movements. This is the foundation for almost all school tasks, like drawing, writing, and using tools.

The Paper Cup Catch-It

The Paper Cup Catch-It

Steps:

  • Use the scissors to cut a piece of string about two feet long.
  • Tape one end of the string to the side of the ping pong ball.
  • Tape the other end of the string inside the bottom of the paper cup.
  • Ask your child to hold the cup by the handle or the rim.
  • Swing the ball into the air and try to catch it inside the cup!
  • Challenge them to see how many times they can catch it in a row.
  • Try using the non-dominant hand for an extra challenge!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. The string should be kept away from the neck at all times. Ensure the ball is not aimed at others.

The Snake Rim Marble Run

The Snake Rim Marble Run

Steps:

  • Place the paper plate on the table.
  • Take a large piece of playdough.
  • Roll it into a very long, thick snake using both hands.
  • Press the playdough snake firmly around the very edge of the paper plate to make a wall.
  • Make sure the wall is smooth and even all the way around the plate.
  • Place a single marble inside the plate.
  • Hold the plate with both hands.
  • Tilt the plate slowly to make the marble roll along the playdough wall without falling out.
  • Challenge your child to go around the circle three times without stopping!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Marbles are a significant choking hazard and should be kept away from mouths at all times.

The Foil Pan Macaroni Putter

Preschool boy using a cotton swab to putt dry macaroni into a masking tape goal in a foil pan

Steps:

  • Place the aluminum foil pan on a stable table.
  • Tape a small U-shape in one corner using masking tape to make a goal.
  • Drop five pieces of dry macaroni into the opposite side of the pan.
  • Give your child a Q-Tip to hold like a tiny putter.
  • Challenge them to push each piece of macaroni into the taped goal!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Dry macaroni is a choking hazard. Keep materials away from the mouth.

Newspaper Log Tongs Balance

Girl using tongs to balance a pom-pom on top of a rolled newspaper log taped on a table

Steps:

  • Help your child roll a single sheet of newspaper into a tight, long log.
  • Use masking tape to secure the ends and the middle of the log so it stays firm.
  • Repeat this to make three logs and lay them parallel on a flat table.
  • Hand your child a pair of tongs and a basket of colorful pom-poms.
  • Challenge them to pick up one pom-pom and carefully set it on top of a newspaper log.
  • Continue until each log is covered in a row of fuzzy pom-poms!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Pom-poms are a choking hazard. Keep them away from mouths.

The Vertical Cloud Garden

Boy reaching up with tongs to drop a cotton ball into a paper cup taped to the wall

Steps:

  • Help your child pick four colorful paper cups for their wall garden.
  • Use your masking tape to stick the bottom of each cup to a wall.
  • Make sure the cups are at your child’s shoulder height to work those muscles.
  • Place a basket of soft cotton balls on the floor nearby.
  • Give your child the tongs and show them how to squeeze and pick up one ball.
  • Challenge them to reach up and drop the cotton ball into a cup!
  • Try using only their left hand for two cups and their right hand for the others.

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