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 Coffee Filter Magic Flower

The Coffee Filter Magic Flower

Steps:

  • Set out a few white coffee filters on a tray or plastic container.
  • Show your child how to fold the coffee filter in half, then in half again.
  • Mix a few drops of food coloring into small cups of water.
  • Have your child squeeze the eyedropper to soak up the colorful water.
  • Encourage them to carefully drop the water onto the folded edges of the filter.
  • Slowly unfold the wet filter to see a beautiful, colorful pattern.
  • Let the filters dry to create magic flowers or window art!

Safety Tip:
Food coloring can stain clothes and surfaces. Use a tray to keep the water contained. Always supervise your child when using the eyedropper and water.

The Tilted Straw Maze

The Tilted Straw Maze

Steps:

  • Use markers to draw a start and finish line on a paper plate.
  • Cut colorful straws into several small pieces using your scissors.
  • Glue the straw pieces onto the plate to build maze walls.
  • Leave enough space between the straws for a marble to roll.
  • Place a marble at the start line once the glue is dry.
  • Hold the plate with both hands and tilt it to move the marble.
  • Try to reach the finish line without the marble falling off!

Safety Tip:
Marbles are a significant choking hazard. Always supervise children during play and keep all small materials away from younger siblings.

The Spinning Ribbon Wand

The Spinning Ribbon Wand

Steps:

  • Cut three colorful ribbons into two-foot lengths.
  • Wrap the ends of the ribbons around the top of a craft stick.
  • Secure the ribbons tightly with a piece of masking tape.
  • Ask your child to hold the stick in their dominant hand.
  • Encourage them to twist their wrist to make the ribbons spiral.
  • Challenge them to draw big circles in the air with the wand.

Safety Tip:
Supervise your child at all times when using long ribbons to avoid entanglement. Keep scissors out of reach after the ribbons are cut.

The Silver Pan Web Weaver

The Silver Pan Web Weaver

Steps:

  • Use markers to draw ten dots around the rim of the pan.
  • Use a pencil to poke a hole through each dot.
  • Tie one end of the yarn to the first hole.
  • Thread the yarn across the pan to another hole.
  • Continue until the silver web is finished!

Safety Tip:
Poking holes with a pencil requires steady hands. Always supervise your child to prevent any pokes to the skin.

The Wet Tissue Mosaic

The Wet Tissue Mosaic

Steps:

  • Help your child tear tissue paper into small bits.
  • Fill the squirt bottle with a little water.
  • Let your child spray the dry erase board.
  • Ask them to press the paper bits onto the wet board.
  • Watch as the paper stays in place!
  • Try to cover the whole board with different colors.

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: This activity uses small pieces of paper. Always supervise your child. Ensure they do not put paper in their mouth.