Skill: Finger Strength

Having enough power in the small hand muscles to do things like open a lunchbox, squeeze a glue bottle, or hold a pencil without getting tired.

Clothespin Feather Match

Steps:

  • Prepare the ‘Clipping Creature’ by decorating the plastic container with markers.
  • Use index cards to draw and cut several long strips. These are your colorful ‘feathers.’
  • Draw small, matching colored dots on the rim of the container and on the ends of the clothespins (e.g., red dot on rim, red dot on pin).
  • Encourage your child to pinch open a clothespin. Clip a colorful index card feather onto it first.
  • Challenge them to clip the clothespin onto the container’s rim. The color on the pin must match the color dot on the container.

Safety Tip:
If the child is using scissors during step two, ensure constant adult supervision. Only use child-safe scissors.

Foil Ball Toss

Foil Ball Toss

Steps:

  • Set up the target: Place the Aluminium Foil Pan (or a sturdy Container) on the floor a few feet away. Use Masking Tape to mark a “Foil Launcher Line” where the child must stand.
  • Give the child a sheet of Aluminium Foil. Encourage them to use both hands to tear off a medium-sized piece. Tearing this resistant material is a great workout!
  • Challenge the child to crumple the foil piece into the tightest, smallest ball they can using only their fingertips, focusing on squeezing hard to create a dense ‘golf ball’.
  • Have the child stand behind the line and toss their heavy foil ball into the target pan. Practice aiming and grading the force of the throw. Count how many they make!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise this activity closely. Ensure the child fully crumples the foil pieces before tossing to avoid sharp edges. Collect all small foil balls after play to prevent choking hazards or ingestion by pets.

Felt Slot Feed

Felt Slot Feed

Steps:

  • Adult Prep: Cut a felt square to cover the container opening. Glue the felt securely onto the container rim, creating a lid.
  • Cut 4 to 6 short, narrow slits (about 1 inch long) into the center of the felt lid. These slits must be tight.
  • Give your child a sheet of construction paper. Encourage them to use both hands to tear the paper into small pieces (about stamp-sized).
  • Ask your child to hold the container steady with their helper hand to provide proximal stability.
  • Challenge them to use a strong finger push to insert one torn paper piece through a narrow felt slot.
  • Continue feeding the container until all the torn paper scraps are successfully pushed through the resistant felt slots.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required when using scissors. The torn paper pieces are small and pose a potential choking hazard for children who still place objects in their mouths.

Sticky Web Smash

Sticky Web Smash

Steps:

  • Prepare the ‘spider web’ by sticking several long strips of masking tape across an empty doorway, a chair opening, or a wall (ensure the tape is safe for the surface). Crucially, make sure the sticky side faces out toward the child.
  • Give the child large pieces of construction paper and tissue paper. Demonstrate how to tear the paper into small, medium, and large pieces. Tearing paper provides excellent resistance for finger and hand muscles.
  • Encourage the child to ‘smash’ or firmly press the torn paper pieces onto the sticky web, using maximal effort and pressure to ensure they stick. Challenge them to cover every piece of exposed tape!

Safety Tip:
If using a doorway, ensure the tape is placed at the child’s eye/chest level and not near the floor where someone could accidentally walk through and trip. Always supervise peeling tape off surfaces to prevent paint damage.

Sticky Shape Press

Sticky Shape Press

Steps:

  • Use a marker to draw a large, simple shape (like a heart or square) onto the construction paper.
  • Tear a long strip of masking tape. Encourage your child to tear the tape into many small, postage stamp-sized pieces.
  • Challenge the child to use a precise pincer grasp to fill the drawn shape completely with the small tape pieces.
  • Pick up the craft stick. Show the child how to hold it like a pencil, keeping the wrist slightly bent backward (extended).
  • Use the craft stick to rub and press down firmly over every piece of tape. Applying strong pressure provides excellent heavy work for their hands.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Ensure the child understands the materials are only for crafting and not for placing in the mouth.