Finger Strength - Page 8 of 24

Putty Pat Painters

Steps:

Adult Prep: Secure a large piece of cardboard target vertically onto a stable wall or door using masking tape.
Use markers to draw a simple target shape, like a large circle, on the cardboard at your child’s chest height.
Help your child press a large lump of Theraputty or stiff playdough firmly onto the flat side of the sponge.
Encourage your child to use their helper hand to stabilize the cardboard target on the wall.
Challenge them to use a strong, controlled ‘pat’ motion to press the putty-covered sponge onto the marked target zone.
Repeat this firm pressing and patting action until the entire marked area is covered in colorful, sticky putty patches.

Safety Tip:
Theraputty and playdough are choking hazards if ingested. Constant, direct adult supervision is required. Ensure the vertical cardboard target is secured tightly so it cannot fall or shift during the strong patting action.

Squeeze and Slot Cups

Steps:

Adult Prep: Take a sturdy cardboard box and secure the lid shut with masking tape. Use scissors to cut one very narrow, tight slot (about 3 inches long) into the top center of the box.
Give your child the paper cups. Challenge them to use both hands to squeeze and crumple each cup as flat and stiff as possible. Encourage them to press hard to feel the crunch!
Pick up one flat, crumpled cup. Ask your child to hold the prepared box firmly with their helper hand to keep it steady on the table.
Challenge your child to aim the stiff edge of the cup into the narrow slot. They must use a strong, controlled push to send the crushed cup completely inside the box.
Repeat this crushing and slotting process until all the paper cups have been successfully posted inside the resistant box.

Safety Tip:
Constant adult supervision is required. Ensure that the cardboard box is stable and cannot tip over when the child applies pushing force. Adults must handle the scissors when cutting the resistant slot.

Clothespin Weight Tower

Steps:

Place the foam sheet flat on a stable table. Put the pom-poms and clothespins into the container nearby.
Show your child how to use one hand to firmly hold the foam sheet steady on the table. This is the helper hand.
Use the working hand to squeeze open one clothespin. Carefully clip one pom-pom securely inside the open pin.
Clip the weighted clothespin firmly onto the edge of the foam sheet. Encourage placing the clips close together.
Once all pom-poms are clipped on, challenge your child to carefully lift the foam sheet using their fingertips. Can they carry the sheet without dropping the weighted clips?

Safety Tip:
Clothespins and pom-poms are small items. Constant, direct adult supervision is required throughout this activity to prevent choking hazards.

Fuzzy Force Sculpture

Steps:

Secure the felt sheet firmly onto the cardboard using masking tape. Stand the cardboard upright against a wall or chair.
Place the pile of pipe cleaners in the container nearby. Encourage your child to pick up one fuzzy stick.
Use both hands together to bend and twist the pipe cleaner into a tight, dense shape, like a small coil or spiral. Bending requires strength!
Ask your child to hold the cardboard steady with their helper hand to provide stability for the surface.
Challenge them to press the bent pipe cleaner firmly onto the felt surface until it sticks.
Continue bending and pressing fuzzy sticks to create a unique sculpture, like an animal or a colorful abstract design.
Try switching the hands used for bending and stabilizing to give both sides a workout.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Pipe cleaners can have sharp ends after cutting or twisting. Ensure the child does not place materials near their mouth, eyes, or ears.

Sponge Squeeze Splash

Steps:

Fill a large bucket or Container halfway with water. Place the Sponge inside to soak.
Place a small, empty Plastic Container about three feet away. This is your target zone.
Have your child kneel or stand stably beside the large water bucket.
Encourage your child to reach in and grab the wet sponge. Lift it carefully over the target container.
Use a strong, firm squeeze with one hand to empty the water into the target. Encourage maximum effort!
Return the empty sponge to the bucket. Repeat the process until the small target container is full.

Safety Tip:
Constant adult supervision is required. This activity involves water, so ensure the playing area is non-slip to prevent falls. Make sure the child does not put the sponge or water near their mouth.