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.

Cardboard Hole Punch Pegging

Cardboard Hole Punch Pegging

Steps:

  • Adult Prep: Use scissors to cut several Q-Tips into short, 1-inch pegs. Fold a piece of thick cardboard firmly in half to create maximum resistance.
  • Use a marker to draw 8-10 target dots across the surface of the folded cardboard where the child should aim to punch.
  • Challenge your child to hold the cardboard firmly with their helper hand. Using strong finger force, squeeze the hole puncher onto each marker dot, creating a tight hole.
  • Once the holes are punched, place the short Q-Tip pegs into the container. Encourage your child to pick up one peg at a time using a neat pincer grasp.
  • Hold the cardboard steady with the non-dominant hand. Use a strong, controlled push to insert the Q-Tip peg straight through the resistant hole.
  • Continue this firm pushing action until all the punched holes have been successfully filled with colorful pegs.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Cut Q-Tips and small cardboard scraps are choking hazards for children under five. Adults must handle the scissors for preparation. Ensure the child only pushes the Q-Tip pegs into the designated holes and keeps materials away from the mouth, nose, and ears.

Felt Maze Nut Grab

Felt Maze Nut Grab

Steps:

  • Adult Prep: Use markers to draw a simple maze or winding path onto the felt sheet.
  • Cut one small drop hole (slightly bigger than a nut) at the end of the maze. Secure the felt tightly over the container opening using masking tape.
  • Place the container on a stable table. Put the nuts next to the maze start point.
  • Use your non-dominant hand (the helper hand) to hold the container firmly steady.
  • Pick up the tongs using a strong pincer grasp. Squeeze the tongs open and gently grab one nut.
  • Carefully follow the path with the tongs. Press down firmly to maneuver the heavy nut through the resistant felt maze.
  • Once you reach the drop hole, let go of the nut and hear it clink into the box! Repeat until all the treasure is collected.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Nuts and bolts are very small, hard objects and pose a significant choking hazard for children under five. Ensure all materials are used only as intended and collected immediately after play.

Resistant Foam Pin Push

Resistant Foam Pin Push

Steps:

  • Adult Prep: Use a marker to draw several guide dots onto the foam sheet. Use masking tape to secure the foam tightly onto the sturdy cardboard base.
  • Help your child bend or roll several pipe cleaners until they are stiff, short pieces. These are your ‘resistant pins.’
  • Ask your child to hold the cardboard base firmly steady on the table using their non-dominant (helper) hand.
  • Pick up a resistant pin using a strong pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger).
  • Aim the tip of the pin at a marked dot. Use a controlled, strong push to drive the stiff pipe cleaner straight through the dense foam and into the cardboard base.
  • Repeat this forceful pushing action until all the marked dots have been successfully filled with colorful pins.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Pipe cleaners are small materials and pose a choking hazard for children under five. Ensure materials are used only as intended and collected immediately after play.

Foam Slit Curtain Push

Foam Slit Curtain Push

Steps:

  • Adult Prep: Cut the foam sheet to fit the cardboard. Use scissors to cut 8 to 10 narrow, horizontal slits across the foam. Secure the foam tightly onto the cardboard using masking tape.
  • Sit stably at a table. Use your helper hand to hold the cardboard base firmly steady.
  • Pick up one craft stick using your thumb and pointer finger.
  • Aim the end of the stick at a narrow foam slit. Use a strong, controlled push to insert the stick all the way through the resistant foam ‘curtain’.
  • Repeat this action until all the slits are filled with sticks. Try pulling them out quickly for a fun, reverse heavy work challenge.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Craft sticks are small objects and pose a potential choking hazard for children under five. Adults must handle the scissors for preparation.

Cardboard Stick Weave Challenge

Steps:

  • Decorate a piece of sturdy cardboard using markers. Draw many small dots or shapes across the surface to mark your targets.
  • Hold the cardboard firmly steady with your helper hand. Use the hole puncher to punch a hole onto every marked dot. Squeezing the puncher requires strong effort!
  • Pick up one craft stick. Hold the cardboard steady with one hand.
  • Aim the tip of the craft stick at one of the newly punched holes. Use a strong, controlled push to insert the stick all the way through the resistant hole.
  • Continue weaving the craft stick in and out of different holes to create a fun pattern. Fill the entire cardboard piece with colorful sticks.

Safety Tip:
Constant adult supervision is required. Ensure the child uses the hole puncher safely, keeping fingers clear of the mechanism. Check craft sticks for splintering before use.