Fine Motor Control - Page 13 of 74

The Pipe Cleaner Deep Sea Divers

Steps:

Fill the plastic container about halfway with cool water.
Take a colorful pipe cleaner and bend it into the shape of a little person.
Ask your child to pick up a nut from the pile using their thumb and pointer finger.
Thread the nut onto the pipe cleaner diver’s legs to act as a heavy weight.
Drop the diver into the water to see if it sinks or floats.
Add more nuts and bolts until the diver reaches the very bottom of the tank!
Use another pipe cleaner as a hook to fish the divers back up to the surface.

Safety Tip:
Ensure your child is seated at a stable table. Metal nuts and bolts are small and should be handled with care.

The Magnetic Paper Clip Fish

Steps:

Draw several fish shapes on a flat piece of cardboard using your bright markers.
Help your child carefully cut out each fish using the safety scissors.
Slide a single paper clip over the nose of every cardboard fish.
Take a long paper roll and tape one end of a piece of string to the top.
Tie a second paper clip to the loose end of the string to act as the hook.
Place the fish on the floor and hold the paper roll with both hands.
Challenge your child to lower the hook and link it onto a fish’s paper clip to rescue it!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Small paper clips can be a choking hazard if placed in the mouth. Ensure the string is kept away from the neck area.

Secret Cardboard Window Latches

Steps:

Decorate three index cards using your bright markers.
Draw a small treasure or a smiley face on a cardboard sheet.
Place a colorful sticker in the center of your drawing for a surprise.
Use masking tape to attach one edge of an index card over your drawing.
This creates a small door that can open and close.
Squeeze a paper clip open slightly using your thumb and index finger.
Slide the paper clip over the edge of the card door and the cardboard.
Challenge your child to slide the latch off to find the treasure!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play to ensure paper clips are used safely and kept away from the mouth.

The Stocking Bean Bag Rescue

Steps:

Place one bean bag into the toe of a long stocking.
Hold the top of the stocking with your helper hand.
Use your dominant hand to find the bean bag through the fabric.
Use your fingers to pinch and push the bean bag up the leg.
Slide the bag all the way to the top opening.
Take the bean bag out and switch hands to try again!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Check the bean bag for any tears or loose beads before starting.

Butcher Paper Body Map

Steps:

Lay a long piece of butcher paper on the floor.
Use masking tape to secure the corners so it stays still.
Ask your child to lie down flat on their back on the paper.
Slowly trace around their whole body using a bright marker.
Have your child stand up and look at their twin on the paper.
Give them a sheet of stickers and ask them to place a sticker on their knees.
Challenge them to place stickers on their elbows, toes, and belly button too!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Stickers can be a choking hazard, so make sure they stay on the paper and not in the mouth.