Fine Motor Control - Page 35 of 81

Fan-Fold Color Towers

Steps:

Use markers to draw bright patterns on three index cards.
Show your child how to fold the card back and forth to create a fan or accordion shape.
Press each fold firmly with your thumb and index finger to make the creases very sharp.
Squeeze a few dots of glue onto a sturdy cardboard base.
Stand the folded card upright on the glue to create a wavy tower.
Pick up a pom-pom using your pinching fingers and glue it onto the peaks of the paper fans.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required when using glue to ensure it stays on the craft and away from faces.

The Bubble Wrap Printmaker

Steps:

Lay a sheet of bubble wrap on the table.
Choose one color of tempera paint.
Use the paint brush to cover the bubbles with paint.
Place a clean sheet of paper on top of the wet bubbles.
Press your hands firmly over the whole paper.
Carefully peel the paper back to see the bubble pattern.
Repeat with a new color to layer the prints!

Safety Tip:
Paint can be slippery on plastic surfaces. Always supervise your child to ensure they stay safely seated while working.

Pool Noodle Pincer Pillars

Steps:

Adult Step: Carefully use scissors to cut the pool noodle into four or five round discs.
Have your child place the foam discs flat on a sturdy table or the floor.
Ask your child to push one golf ball tee into the center of each foam disc.
Provide the tweezers and a small bowl of colorful pom-poms for the next part.
Challenge your child to use the tweezers to pick up one pom-pom at a time.
They must carefully balance the pom-pom on the very top of the golf ball tee.
For an extra challenge, ask them to move the whole disc to a new spot.
They must be very gentle so the pom-pom stays on its pillar during the move!

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required because golf ball tees have pointed ends. Ensure your child stays seated and uses the materials only for the activity.

Balloon Haircut Day

Steps:

Blow up a balloon and tie it securely.
Draw a funny face on the balloon using markers.
Cut several long pieces of yarn hair.
Tape the yarn hair to the top of the balloon.
Secure the balloon to a wall or door using masking tape at your child’s chest height.
Encourage your child to use safety scissors to trim the yarn hair.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child while they are using scissors. If the balloon pops, pick up the pieces immediately. Broken balloon pieces are a choking hazard.

Sticky Twig Nest Builder

Steps:

Wrap a piece of masking tape around the end of a small branch with the sticky side facing out.
Spread colorful feathers, yarn, and small pieces of construction paper on a table.
Help your child hold the branch firmly at the clean end.
Ask them to press the sticky end down onto the items to pick them up.
Once the twig is covered, they must use their fingers to peel the items off.
Place the rescued items into a plastic container to build a soft bird nest.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they handle small twigs or branches to prevent any pokes or scratches. Ensure the yarn pieces are short to avoid any tangling.