Skill: Forearm Pronation

Turning the forearm so the palm faces down. We need this movement to type on a keyboard, pour from a pitcher, or dribble a ball.

The Spinning Ribbon Wand

The Spinning Ribbon Wand

Steps:

  • Cut three colorful ribbons into two-foot lengths.
  • Wrap the ends of the ribbons around the top of a craft stick.
  • Secure the ribbons tightly with a piece of masking tape.
  • Ask your child to hold the stick in their dominant hand.
  • Encourage them to twist their wrist to make the ribbons spiral.
  • Challenge them to draw big circles in the air with the wand.

Safety Tip:
Supervise your child at all times when using long ribbons to avoid entanglement. Keep scissors out of reach after the ribbons are cut.

The Secret Keyhole Drop

The Secret Keyhole Drop

Steps:

  • Cut a narrow slot in a piece of cardboard using your scissors.
  • Use your markers to draw a treasure chest or a door around the secret slot.
  • Tape a craft stick to the edge of a large button to create a key handle.
  • Ask your child to hold the cardboard upright with their helper hand.
  • They must twist their wrist to align the button with the slot to push it through.
  • Try making the slot horizontal or vertical to change the wrist movement.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required when using scissors and small buttons to prevent any choking hazards.

Plate Tilt Button Slide

Plate Tilt Button Slide

Steps:

  • Use a piece of masking tape to make a small tunnel on one side of the paper plate.
  • Place two colorful buttons on the plate.
  • Ask your child to hold the plate with both hands.
  • Challenge them to tilt the plate back and forth.
  • They must guide the buttons so they slide through the tape tunnel.
  • Try to see how many times they can slide the buttons through without them falling off.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Buttons are small objects and pose a significant choking hazard for young children. Ensure all materials are used only as intended.

Spiral Twist Core Threading

Spiral Twist Core Threading

Steps:

  • Adult Step: Secure the paper roll horizontally onto the cardboard base using strong masking tape. This creates a stable ‘dowel’ for twisting.
  • Use the markers to draw colorful stripes or dots onto several index cards. Cut the decorated cards into long, narrow strips (about 1/2 inch wide).
  • Take one paper strip. Use your fingertips to curl and twist the strip tightly around itself to create a stiff, narrow spiral shape.
  • Secure the end of the paper spiral with a small amount of glue to keep the resistant shape from unrolling. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to make a pile of colorful spirals.
  • Hold the cardboard base firmly steady with your non-dominant hand. Pick up a paper spiral with your working hand.
  • Aim the spiral at the paper roll. Use a continuous twisting motion (like screwing in a lightbulb) to thread the spiral onto the roll, pushing it along the core.
  • Continue twisting and pushing the colorful spirals until the entire paper roll is covered in dense, textured art. Then, try unwinding them!

Safety Tip:
Constant adult supervision is required. Adults should manage the scissors for preparation. Ensure the child remains seated stably to focus on the fine motor movements and to prevent the board from tipping.

Foil Rod Twist Connect

Foil Rod Twist Connect

Steps:

  • Tear off a piece of aluminum foil slightly larger than an index card.
  • Place the card on the foil. Wrap the card tightly and squeeze hard to form a dense, stiff foil rod.
  • Use a marker to draw a narrow slit (about 1.5 inches long) onto a separate index card. (Adult step: Carefully cut the slit using scissors).
  • Hold the slotted card firmly steady with your helper hand on the table.
  • Pick up the foil rod. Aim the end at the slit and use a continuous twisting motion to screw the rod through the resistant opening.
  • Twist the rod all the way through the slot to connect the two cards. Repeat to build a creative 3D foil sculpture!

Safety Tip:
Constant adult supervision is required. Adults must handle the scissors for preparation. Ensure the child compresses the foil tightly into dense balls or rods to avoid sharp edges. Collect all small foil pieces immediately after play.