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.

Under-Table Starry Night

Under-Table Starry Night

Steps:

  • Draw many colorful dots across a flat piece of cardboard using your markers.
  • Use a pen to poke a small hole through the center of every dot.
  • Find a stable low table and tape the cardboard to the underside with masking tape.
  • Help your child lie down on their back underneath the table.
  • Hand them a pile of Q-tips to hold in their helper hand.
  • Challenge them to push a Q-tip into every star hole they see above.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the table is stable and the area is clear of hard objects. Always supervise your child while they are lying under the furniture.

Paper Plate Target Disc

Paper Plate Target Disc

Steps:

  • Use your scissors to cut three circles from a single paper plate. These are your flying discs.
  • Decorate each disc with bright markers to make them easy to see.
  • Place your laundry basket in the middle of a clear floor area.
  • Use masking tape to mark a start line a few feet away from the basket.
  • Have your child stand behind the line and hold a disc with one hand.
  • Show them how to hold the cardboard base steady with their other hand to act as a launch pad.
  • Ask them to use their index finger to flick the paper disc toward the basket.
  • Challenge them to get all three discs inside the basket in a row!
  • Move the start line further back once they become an expert launcher.

Safety Tip:
Always ensure the play area is clear of breakable items before launching your paper discs. Adult supervision is recommended to manage the use of scissors.

The Static Magic Paper Lift

The Static Magic Paper Lift

Steps:

  • Help your child tear the tissue paper into very small, light pieces.
  • Place all the tiny paper bits into a pile on a flat table.
  • Blow up the balloon and tie it tightly for your child.
  • Have your child rub the balloon quickly against their hair.
  • Hold the balloon just above the paper bits and watch them jump up!
  • Challenge your child to move the stuck paper over to an empty bowl.
  • Use your fingers to peel the paper off and start again.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required when using balloons. Immediately pick up and discard any broken balloon pieces to keep your child safe.

Baking Cup Hidden Bubble Pops

Baking Cup Hidden Bubble Pops

Steps:

  • Glue five baking cups onto a flat piece of cardboard.
  • Cut five small circles of bubble wrap to fit inside the cups.
  • Place a small dab of glue at the bottom of each cup.
  • Press the bubble wrap circles firmly into the glue.
  • Ask your child to use only their pointer finger to pop the bubbles.
  • Challenge them to use their other hand to hold the cardboard steady.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child to ensure they do not put small pieces of bubble wrap in their mouth.

The Silly String Bag Stylist

The Silly String Bag Stylist

Steps:

  • Use a marker to draw a big, funny face on the front of your Ziplock bag.
  • Open the bag and stuff it with several pieces of colorful yarn to look like wild hair.
  • Lay the bag flat on a table and secure the four corners with several pieces of masking tape.
  • Ask your child to use their pointer finger to push the yarn strands around inside the sealed bag.
  • Challenge them to move the yarn to give the character long bangs, a beard, or even silly eyebrows!
  • Style the hair in different ways to see how many funny looks you can create together!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child to ensure the bag stays sealed and they do not put yarn in their mouth.