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.

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.

Spiral Stick Rotator

Spiral Stick Rotator

Steps:

  • Adult Prep: Use scissors to cut a piece of construction paper to fit the container lid. Secure this paper tightly onto the lid with masking tape.
  • Cut one tight, narrow slot (about 1.5 inches long) into the center of the taped paper lid. This is your resistant slot.
  • Use markers to draw tight, colorful stripes or a spiral design around several craft sticks. Make sure the designs are dense.
  • Ask your child to hold the container firmly steady with their non-dominant hand (the helper hand).
  • Pick up a striped stick. Challenge them to gently push the end of the stick into the narrow slot.
  • They must twist the stick repeatedly (rotating their forearm) to guide the colored pattern through the resistant slot.
  • Continue twisting and pushing until the entire stick is posted inside. Repeat this with all the prepared sticks!

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Ensure the narrow slot is only used for the craft sticks. Collect any small pieces of torn paper or tape immediately.

Felt Pocket Clip Drop

Steps:

  • Adult Prep: Use scissors to cut a piece of felt that covers the container opening. Cut 6 to 8 very tight, narrow vertical slits into the felt.
  • Secure the felt tightly over the container opening using masking tape around the rim. The felt should be firm.
  • Place the pom-poms in a bowl. Practice squeezing a clothespin open using a strong two-finger pinch.
  • Challenge your child to pick up one pom-pom by securing it gently inside the open clothespin.
  • Hold the container firmly steady with their non-dominant hand. This stabilizes the base.
  • Aim the clothespin and pom-pom at a narrow felt slit. Use a strong, controlled push to insert the pom-pom completely into the pocket.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Pom-poms are small objects and pose a significant choking hazard for children under five. Ensure materials are used only as intended.

Resistance Trace Bag

Resistance Trace Bag

Steps:

  • Adult Prep: Fill a gallon-sized Ziplock Bag halfway with corn kernels. Add a small amount of water to create a thick, dense texture that is resistant to movement.
  • Seal the bag tightly, ensuring all excess air is removed. Place the sealed bag flat inside a shallow plastic container to stabilize it on the table.
  • Use a marker to draw simple lines, letters, or shapes (like a circle or a cross) directly onto the outside of the bag.
  • Challenge your child to use only their pointer finger (finger isolation) to press hard into the bag, tracing the marker lines.
  • They must use sustained pressure to push the kernels aside, leaving a visible path in the resistant medium. This requires great effort!
  • When finished, gently shake the bag to reset the kernels. Use a damp paper towel to wipe the marker lines off the bag and start with a new shape.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Ensure the Ziplock Bag is sealed completely before use, as corn kernels pose a choking hazard if ingested.