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.

Baking Cup Parachute Drop

Baking Cup Parachute Drop

Steps:

  • Help your child use a hole puncher to make four holes around the edge of a paper baking cup.
  • Cut four pieces of yarn, each about six inches long.
  • Show your child how to thread one piece of yarn through a hole and tie a simple knot.
  • Repeat this for all four holes until the cup has four strings hanging down.
  • Gather the ends of the yarn and use masking tape to stick them onto a pom-pom.
  • Hold the parachute high and let it go to watch it float to the ground!

Safety Tip:
Small pom-poms can be a choking hazard. Please keep them out of the reach of younger siblings and supervise your child closely.

Noodle Notch Shelf Build

Noodle Notch Shelf Build

Steps:

  • Use the scissors to cut a pool noodle into pieces about as long as a ruler.
  • Hold the noodle piece firmly with your non-cutting hand.
  • Snip three or four horizontal slits into the side of the foam.
  • Squeeze the handles together to make sure the scissors cut deep enough.
  • Slide a wooden craft stick halfway into each of the new slits.
  • Make sure the sticks are tight so they act like tiny shelves.
  • Use your thumb and pointer finger to pick up a soft pom-pom.
  • Carefully place the pom-pom onto the flat end of a craft stick.
  • See if you can fill all the shelves without any falling off!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they are using scissors. Ensure the pom-poms are not placed in the mouth as they can be a choking hazard.

Floating Sponge Button Stack

Floating Sponge Button Stack

Steps:

  • Fill the aluminium foil pan halfway with water.
  • Place the sponge gently on top of the water so it floats.
  • Put a small bowl of buttons next to the pan.
  • Ask your child to pick up one button using their thumb and pointer finger.
  • Challenge them to place the button carefully onto the center of the floating sponge.
  • See how many buttons they can stack before the sponge tips or sinks!
  • Try placing buttons on the corners of the sponge to see how it wobbles.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during water play. Buttons are small and are a choking hazard. Ensure your child does not put them in their mouth.

Air-Power Cup Delivery

Air-Power Cup Delivery

Steps:

  • Blow up a balloon and tie it closed.
  • Cut a piece of string about two feet long.
  • Tape one end of the string to the balloon.
  • Tape the other end of the string to the bottom of a paper cup.
  • Place five beans inside the cup for weight.
  • Set the cup on a smooth floor.
  • Give your child a paper plate to use as a fan.
  • Challenge your child to fan the balloon with the plate.
  • They must move the balloon and cup to a target.
  • Reach the finish line without the cup tipping over!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Beans and broken balloons are choking hazards. Keep uninflated balloons away from children.

Paper Roll Tunnel Guide

Paper Roll Tunnel Guide

Steps:

  • Tape four paper rolls onto a large piece of cardboard to create tunnels.
  • Place the board on a flat table or the floor.
  • Give your child a ping pong ball and a craft stick.
  • Ask them to push the ball through each tunnel using the stick.
  • They should hold the board steady with their helper hand.

Safety Tip:
Constant adult supervision is required. Ping pong balls can be a choking hazard for young children. Ensure all materials are used as intended.