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 Paper Plate Time Teller

The Paper Plate Time Teller

Steps:

  • Write the numbers 1 to 12 around the edge of the plate.
  • Cut two long, narrow arrows from your cardboard piece.
  • Make one arrow shorter than the other.
  • Use your scissors to poke a tiny hole in the center of the plate.
  • Poke a hole in the bottom of both cardboard arrows.
  • Slide a paper clip through the arrows and the plate hole.
  • Bend the paper clip ends to hold everything together.
  • Challenge your child to spin the hands to show a specific time!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they use scissors. Ensure the paper clip is handled carefully. Keep all small parts away from the mouth.

The Paper Roll Pincer Squeezer

The Paper Roll Pincer Squeezer

Steps:

  • Use your scissors to cut several empty paper rolls into small rings about one inch thick.
  • Let your child decorate each ring with colorful patterns using the markers.
  • Adult Step: Cut four narrow vertical slots into a flat piece of sturdy cardboard base.
  • Ask your child to use their thumb and pointer finger to squeeze one paper roll ring until it is flat.
  • Challenge them to slide the flattened ring into a slot on the cardboard base to make it stand up.
  • Continue squeezing and sliding more rings into each other to build a tall and wobbly sculpture!
  • Encourage your child to use their helper hand to hold the base steady while the other hand adds new pieces.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child while they are using scissors. Make sure the cardboard edges are smooth to avoid any small scrapes during play.

The Paper Cup Catch-It

The Paper Cup Catch-It

Steps:

  • Use the scissors to cut a piece of string about two feet long.
  • Tape one end of the string to the side of the ping pong ball.
  • Tape the other end of the string inside the bottom of the paper cup.
  • Ask your child to hold the cup by the handle or the rim.
  • Swing the ball into the air and try to catch it inside the cup!
  • Challenge them to see how many times they can catch it in a row.
  • Try using the non-dominant hand for an extra challenge!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. The string should be kept away from the neck at all times. Ensure the ball is not aimed at others.

The Snake Rim Marble Run

The Snake Rim Marble Run

Steps:

  • Place the paper plate on the table.
  • Take a large piece of playdough.
  • Roll it into a very long, thick snake using both hands.
  • Press the playdough snake firmly around the very edge of the paper plate to make a wall.
  • Make sure the wall is smooth and even all the way around the plate.
  • Place a single marble inside the plate.
  • Hold the plate with both hands.
  • Tilt the plate slowly to make the marble roll along the playdough wall without falling out.
  • Challenge your child to go around the circle three times without stopping!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Marbles are a significant choking hazard and should be kept away from mouths at all times.

The Foil Pan Macaroni Putter

Preschool boy using a cotton swab to putt dry macaroni into a masking tape goal in a foil pan

Steps:

  • Place the aluminum foil pan on a stable table.
  • Tape a small U-shape in one corner using masking tape to make a goal.
  • Drop five pieces of dry macaroni into the opposite side of the pan.
  • Give your child a Q-Tip to hold like a tiny putter.
  • Challenge them to push each piece of macaroni into the taped goal!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Dry macaroni is a choking hazard. Keep materials away from the mouth.