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 Masking Tape Ribbon Tangle

The Masking Tape Ribbon Tangle

Steps:

  • Start by taping one end of a long ribbon to a flat table using a small piece of masking tape.
  • Stretch the ribbon across the table and place another piece of tape over it every few inches to create a tangled path.
  • Ask your child to use their fingertips to find the edge of each piece of tape.
  • Encourage them to peel the tape up to rescue the ribbon from the table.
  • Once the ribbon is free, show them how to roll it up into a small bundle using both hands.
  • Place the finished ribbon roll into a basket and repeat with a different color!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play to ensure they do not put masking tape or ribbon in their mouth. Ensure the table has smooth edges to prevent any scratches.

The Blooming Paper Water Lily

The Blooming Paper Water Lily

Steps:

  • Fill your aluminium foil pan with one inch of water.
  • Draw a flower with several pointed petals on the construction paper.
  • Use your scissors to cut out the flower shape.
  • Fold each petal toward the center until the flower is closed.
  • Use a marker to draw a small heart in the center.
  • Place the folded flower gently onto the surface of the water.
  • Watch as the petals slowly open to reveal the secret heart!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during water play to ensure they stay safe and the floor stays dry.

The Pincer Slider Box Maze

The Pincer Slider Box Maze

Steps:

  • Take the lid off your shoe box.
  • Use markers to draw a path on the bottom.
  • Cut your straws into small and medium pieces.
  • Tape the straw pieces along the lines of your path.
  • These straw walls will create a maze.
  • Place one small button at the start of the maze.
  • Use your thumb and pointer finger to slide the button.
  • Carefully move the button through the straw tunnels to finish.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Small buttons are a choking hazard, so keep them away from younger siblings.

Floating Feather Fans

Floating Feather Fans

Steps:

  • Lay a long strip of butcher paper on the floor to make your landing runway.
  • Use masking tape to secure a basket at the very end of the paper.
  • Have your child lie on their tummy at the start of the runway.
  • Place a soft feather in front of them on the paper.
  • Hand your child a straw and ask them to blow air through it.
  • Challenge them to push the feather forward using only their breath.
  • If the feather gets stuck, give them a paper plate to use as a fan.
  • Encourage them to wave the plate to create wind and move the feather.
  • The goal is to get the feather all the way into the basket!
  • Repeat the race and see if they can do it faster each time.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child closely while they are lying on the floor. Ensure the room is clear of sharp corners or hard furniture. Keep straws away from eyes and mouth after use.

Balloon Powered Foil Boat

Balloon Powered Foil Boat

Steps:

  • Fill your foil pan halfway with cool water.
  • Place the pan on a flat table.
  • Take a straw and a balloon from your kit.
  • Slide the balloon neck over one straw end.
  • Wrap masking tape around the neck to seal it.
  • Blow through the straw to fill the balloon.
  • Pinch the straw shut with your fingers.
  • Put the straw boat into the pan.
  • Let go and watch the boat zoom!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise children around water and balloons. Broken balloon pieces are a choking hazard for younger children.