Fine Motor Control - Page 34 of 86

The Foil Mirror Portrait

Steps:

Glue a flat piece of aluminum foil to a sturdy cardboard sheet.
Make sure the foil is as smooth as possible to create a mirror effect.
Ask your child to look at their reflection and point to their eyes.
Have them use a marker to draw their eyes right on the shiny foil.
Encourage them to add their nose, mouth, and hair to finish the portrait.
Use different colors to make the portrait bright and fun!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during the activity. Ensure they handle the cardboard and foil safely. Tuck the foil edges behind the cardboard to prevent scratches.

The Craft Stick Raft Challenge

Steps:

Place four craft sticks side-by-side on the table.
Use two long strips of masking tape to stick them together into a flat raft.
Fill your aluminium foil pan halfway with cool water.
Carefully set your craft stick raft on top of the water so it floats.
Use your thumb and pointer finger to place one button at a time onto the raft.
Keep adding buttons until the raft begins to dip or sink into the water!

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Buttons and masking tape are small and can be a choking hazard.

The Hanger Bead Elevator

Steps:

Use your scissors to cut three pieces of yarn, each about twelve inches long.
Tie the top of each piece of yarn to the bottom bar of the hanger.
Slide one large bead onto the bottom of each piece of yarn.
Tie a big knot at the bottom of the yarn so the beads stay on.
Have your child use a clothespin to pinch the bead and the yarn together.
Challenge them to slide the clothespin and bead all the way up to the top!
Ask them to move the bead back down slowly without letting it drop.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during this activity as small beads are a choking hazard.

The Index Card Pincer-Flip

Steps:

Use your markers to draw a large dot on one side of ten index cards.
Place the cards on a table with the dots facing down.
Have your child use their thumb and index finger to flip one card at a time.
They should quickly name the color and place the card into the cup.
Challenge them to flip all the cards using only their non-dominant hand.
Try to beat a personal speed record to keep it exciting!

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is recommended. Ensure the child remains seated at the table to focus on the fine motor movements.

The Bubble Drop Precision Road

Steps:

Lay a small sheet of bubble wrap flat on a table with the bubbles facing up.
Fill a small plastic container with water and add two drops of food coloring.
Show your child how to squeeze the eyedropper to soak up the colorful water.
Challenge them to place exactly one drop of water on top of each individual bubble.
Once the road is full of drops, have them use a paper towel to gently blot and soak up the water.
Try again with a different color to see the jewels sparkle on the plastic!

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is recommended. Small drops of water can be slippery. Handle the eyedropper gently to avoid spills.