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.

Paper Plate Target Disc

Paper Plate Target Disc

Steps:

  • Use your scissors to cut three circles from a single paper plate. These are your flying discs.
  • Decorate each disc with bright markers to make them easy to see.
  • Place your laundry basket in the middle of a clear floor area.
  • Use masking tape to mark a start line a few feet away from the basket.
  • Have your child stand behind the line and hold a disc with one hand.
  • Show them how to hold the cardboard base steady with their other hand to act as a launch pad.
  • Ask them to use their index finger to flick the paper disc toward the basket.
  • Challenge them to get all three discs inside the basket in a row!
  • Move the start line further back once they become an expert launcher.

Safety Tip:
Always ensure the play area is clear of breakable items before launching your paper discs. Adult supervision is recommended to manage the use of scissors.

The Static Magic Paper Lift

The Static Magic Paper Lift

Steps:

  • Help your child tear the tissue paper into very small, light pieces.
  • Place all the tiny paper bits into a pile on a flat table.
  • Blow up the balloon and tie it tightly for your child.
  • Have your child rub the balloon quickly against their hair.
  • Hold the balloon just above the paper bits and watch them jump up!
  • Challenge your child to move the stuck paper over to an empty bowl.
  • Use your fingers to peel the paper off and start again.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required when using balloons. Immediately pick up and discard any broken balloon pieces to keep your child safe.

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.