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 Ziplock Button Slide

The Ziplock Button Slide

Steps:

  • Use markers to draw three different colored circles on the front of a Ziplock bag.
  • Place buttons that match those colors inside the bag.
  • Add a small splash of water to the bag.
  • Seal the bag very tightly to prevent leaks.
  • Tape the bag flat onto a table using masking tape.
  • Ask your child to use their pointer finger to slide buttons into the matching circles.
  • Encourage them to move slowly to keep the buttons under their finger.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Buttons are a choking hazard. Ensure the bag is sealed and taped down firmly.

Bottle Cap Finger Skaters

Bottle Cap Finger Skaters

Steps:

  • Lay a large piece of cardboard flat on a table.
  • Use masking tape to create a winding skating rink path across the board.
  • Draw small start and finish flags at the ends of the tape path using markers.
  • Take two plastic bottle caps from empty water bottles.
  • Ask your child to place their index and middle finger inside the two caps.
  • Challenge them to skate their fingers along the tape path.
  • They must stay on the tape and keep the caps flat while moving.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the bottle caps are clean and have no sharp plastic edges before playing.

The Bubble Wrap Printmaker

The Bubble Wrap Printmaker

Steps:

  • Lay a sheet of bubble wrap on the table.
  • Choose one color of tempera paint.
  • Use the paint brush to cover the bubbles with paint.
  • Place a clean sheet of paper on top of the wet bubbles.
  • Press your hands firmly over the whole paper.
  • Carefully peel the paper back to see the bubble pattern.
  • Repeat with a new color to layer the prints!

Safety Tip:
Paint can be slippery on plastic surfaces. Always supervise your child to ensure they stay safely seated while working.

Bumpy Bubble Marble Slide

Bumpy Bubble Marble Slide

Steps:

  • Lay a sheet of Bubble Wrap flat on a table with the bubbles facing down.
  • Secure all four corners with Masking Tape to keep it from moving.
  • Place a marble under the wrap at one corner.
  • Use your index finger to press on top of the wrap.
  • Guide the marble through the tiny paths between the bubbles.
  • Try to reach the opposite corner without popping any bubbles!
  • Use your other hand to push the marble back to the start.

Safety Tip:
Marbles are a significant choking hazard. Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Ensure all marbles are collected and stored safely after play.

Mystery Yarn Foil Maze

Mystery Yarn Foil Maze

Steps:

  • Draw a winding maze on a piece of sturdy Cardboard.
  • Trace the path with Glue and stick Yarn on top.
  • Once dry, place the Cardboard inside an Aluminium Foil Pan.
  • Turn the pan over so the Cardboard is underneath.
  • Ask your child to press the foil using their pointer finger.
  • Follow the raised yarn bumps to finish the maze!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child while they are using small materials like yarn and glue.