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.

The Pool Noodle Penny Bank

The Pool Noodle Penny Bank

Steps:

  • An adult uses a knife to cut several narrow slits into a pool noodle.
  • Use your markers to write point values like 5, 10, or 25 next to each slot.
  • Give your child five coins from a plastic container to hold in their palm at once.
  • Ask your child to move one coin to their fingertips without using their other hand.
  • Challenge them to push the coin firmly into a slot on the pool noodle.
  • Repeat this until all the coins are safely inside the noodle bank!

Safety Tip:
Coins are a choking hazard. Keep them away from younger siblings. Always supervise your child during play.

The Foil Pancake Button Press

The Foil Pancake Button Press

Steps:

  • Tear off a large sheet of aluminum foil using both of your hands.
  • Encourage your toddler to crumple the foil into a flat, thick pancake shape.
  • Place the foil pancake inside the aluminum foil pan or onto a piece of cardboard for stability.
  • Give your child a handful of colorful buttons from your collection.
  • Ask them to use their pointer finger and thumb to pick up one button at a time.
  • Challenge your toddler to press each button firmly into the surface of the foil pancake.
  • Watch as the foil wraps slightly around the edges to hold the buttons in place!

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: Buttons are small and pose a risk. Always supervise your child closely during this activity. Ensure all buttons are put away safely once you are finished playing.

The Giant Newspaper Chopstick Challenge

The Giant Newspaper Chopstick Challenge

Steps:

  • Lay a large sheet of newspaper flat on the floor.
  • Roll the paper corner to corner as tightly as possible.
  • Use masking tape to secure the ends of the paper log.
  • Make a second log so you have a pair of giant chopsticks.
  • Place a stuffed animal on the floor and a basket nearby.
  • Hold one log in each hand and squeeze the toy between them.
  • Carry the toy carefully and drop it into the basket!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child to ensure they use the paper logs safely and do not hit others.

The Golf Tee Yarn Trail

The Golf Tee Yarn Trail

Steps:

  • Place a block of Styrofoam on a flat table.
  • Use markers to draw several small circles on the foam.
  • Pick up a golf ball tee using your pinching fingers.
  • Push the tee straight down into one of the circles.
  • Repeat this until every circle has its own mountain.
  • Tie the end of a long piece of yarn to the first tee.
  • Guide the yarn around the other tees to make a trail.
  • Pull the yarn tight to see your colorful design!

Safety Tip:
Golf ball tees have sharp points. Please watch your child closely to keep them safe. Small items like tees and yarn can be a choking hazard.

The Wet Tissue Mosaic

The Wet Tissue Mosaic

Steps:

  • Help your child tear tissue paper into small bits.
  • Fill the squirt bottle with a little water.
  • Let your child spray the dry erase board.
  • Ask them to press the paper bits onto the wet board.
  • Watch as the paper stays in place!
  • Try to cover the whole board with different colors.

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: This activity uses small pieces of paper. Always supervise your child. Ensure they do not put paper in their mouth.