Finger Strength

The Masking Tape Ribbon Tangle

Steps:

Start by taping one end of a long ribbon to a flat table using a small piece of masking tape.
Stretch the ribbon across the table and place another piece of tape over it every few inches to create a tangled path.
Ask your child to use their fingertips to find the edge of each piece of tape.
Encourage them to peel the tape up to rescue the ribbon from the table.
Once the ribbon is free, show them how to roll it up into a small bundle using both hands.
Place the finished ribbon roll into a basket and repeat with a different color!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play to ensure they do not put masking tape or ribbon in their mouth. Ensure the table has smooth edges to prevent any scratches.

The Rainbow Ribbon Spool

Steps:

Tape the end of three colorful ribbons to the center of a paper roll.
Place the paper roll horizontally inside a small basket.
Use masking tape to secure the ends of the roll to the basket sides.
This allows the roll to spin in place like a spool of thread.
Encourage your child to pull a ribbon to unwind it completely.
Show them how to use both hands to wind the ribbon back up.
They must use their tiny fingers to keep the ribbon tight.

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: Ribbons and tape are small parts. Always watch your child closely during play.

Cosmic Tissue Bottle Push

Steps:

Adult: Give your child several sheets of colorful tissue paper.
Child: Tear the paper into small pieces using both hands.
Crumple each piece into a very tight, round ball.
Adult: Secure two pipe cleaners over the bottle mouth in an X shape.
Use masking tape to hold the pipe cleaners to the bottle sides.
Child: Hold the bottle steady with your helper hand.
Use your pinching fingers to pick up a paper ball.
Push the ball hard through the fuzzy pipe cleaner gate until it drops inside.

Safety Tip:
Tissue paper and pipe cleaners can be a choking hazard. Always supervise your child during play to keep them safe.

The Cardboard Castle Squeezer

Steps:

Find a large, flat piece of sturdy cardboard to be your castle base.
Draw four or five narrow rectangles on the cardboard using your markers.
Ask an adult to help you cut out these rectangular slots using scissors.
Ensure each slot is slightly narrower than the width of a paper cup.
Give your child several paper cups and encourage them to decorate the cups.
Show them how to use both hands to squeeze a cup until it is flat.
Challenge your child to push the flattened cup through a narrow slot.
Once through, the cup will pop open slightly to stay inside the castle!
Repeat this until all the castle towers are securely in place.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise children when using scissors. Ensure the cardboard has smooth edges to prevent scratches during the pushing movement.

The Foil Texture Rubbing

Steps:

Use your glue to stick a few coins, buttons, and dry leaves onto a flat piece of cardboard.
Wait for the glue to dry so the objects are firmly in place.
Tear off a sheet of aluminum foil large enough to cover the cardboard.
Place the foil over the objects and use your ‘helper hand’ to hold the edges down firmly.
Use your dominant hand to gently rub your fingertips over the foil until you feel the shapes beneath.
Pick up a crayon and use the side of the tip to rub across the raised areas of the foil.
Watch as the detailed textures of the coins and leaves magically appear on the shiny surface!
Use your markers to add colorful details around the textured prints you created.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is recommended to ensure the edges of the foil are handled gently. Make sure all glue is dry before applying the foil.