Skill: Finger Isolation

Being able to use one finger at a time, like pointing with the index finger or pressing a specific button, without the other fingers moving along with it.

The Under-Table Tissue Galaxy

The Under-Table Tissue Galaxy

Steps:

  • Tape a large piece of cardboard to the bottom of a stable surface at home.
  • Place loops of masking tape across the cardboard with the sticky side facing the floor.
  • Give your child several colorful squares of tissue paper to hold.
  • Ask them to lie down on their back under the cardboard.
  • Show them how to use their fingertips to crumple a paper square into a tight ball.
  • Challenge them to reach up and press the ball onto the sticky tape.
  • Keep adding more colors until the whole overhead board is a bright galaxy!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child while they are lying under furniture. Ensure the cardboard is taped securely so it does not fall. Keep all small paper balls away from the mouth to prevent choking.

Sticky Cup Pom-pom Stuff

Toddler using her pointer finger to press a pom-pom into a paper cup lined with sticky masking tape

Steps:

  • Turn a piece of masking tape into a loop with the sticky side facing out.
  • Place the tape loop inside the bottom and sides of a paper cup.
  • Give your toddler a bowl of fuzzy pom-poms to hold.
  • Ask them to use their pointer finger to push a pom-pom into the cup.
  • Encourage them to press it hard against the sticky tape.
  • Once the cup is full, show them how to peel the pom-poms back out!

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: Pom-poms and tape are small parts. Always supervise your toddler closely and ensure they do not put materials in their mouth.

The Shimmering Treasure Pop

The Shimmering Treasure Pop

Steps:

  • Tape four baking cups onto a flat piece of cardboard to keep them steady.
  • Place one shiny coin inside the bottom of each baking cup.
  • Cut squares of aluminium foil that are slightly larger than the top of the cups.
  • Place the foil over the opening and wrap the edges tightly around the cup rim.
  • Use masking tape to secure the foil around the sides so it stays taut.
  • Ask your child to use only their index finger to pop through the foil.
  • Once they break through, have them use their pinching fingers to pull out the hidden treasure!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Small coins and pieces of foil are significant choking hazards. Ensure all materials are stored away after the game.

The Cardboard Ring Finger Hop

The Cardboard Ring Finger Hop

Steps:

  • Use your scissors to cut an empty paper roll into five thin rings.
  • Let your child decorate each ring with a different color using the markers.
  • Tape the bottom of each ring in a straight line onto a flat cardboard sheet.
  • Ask your child to hold the cardboard steady with their non-dominant helper hand.
  • Have them walk their index and middle fingers through the rings like a tiny person.
  • Challenge them to hop through the rings as fast as they can without touching the sides!

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

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.