Skill: Grasp

How the hand holds an object. A mature grasp allows a child to hold a pencil efficiently for writing, while a strong grasp helps them hold onto monkey bars.

The Clothespin Cliff Climber

The Clothespin Cliff Climber

Steps:

  • Place the shoe box on its side on a flat table.
  • Use masking tape to stick five index cards vertically along the side of the box.
  • Make sure the cards are spaced out like steps on a ladder.
  • Use markers to draw a small start flag on the bottom card and a finish flag on the top card.
  • Have your child use a clothespin to clip onto the bottom index card.
  • Challenge them to unclip and move the clothespin up to the next card without the box sliding.
  • Continue until the climber reaches the top flag!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during this activity to ensure they use the clothespins safely on the cards.

The Craft Stick Raft Challenge

The Craft Stick Raft Challenge

Steps:

  • Place four craft sticks side-by-side on the table.
  • Use two long strips of masking tape to stick them together into a flat raft.
  • Fill your aluminium foil pan halfway with cool water.
  • Carefully set your craft stick raft on top of the water so it floats.
  • Use your thumb and pointer finger to place one button at a time onto the raft.
  • Keep adding buttons until the raft begins to dip or sink into the water!

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Buttons and masking tape are small and can be a choking hazard.

Floating Egg Carton Marble Scoop

Floating Egg Carton Marble Scoop

Steps:

  • Fill a large bowl halfway with water.
  • Place an empty egg carton inside the bowl so it floats.
  • Put a small pile of marbles on the table next to the bowl.
  • Have your child scoop a single marble using a spoon.
  • They must carry it and drop it into a specific egg cup.
  • Challenge them to fill all the cups without sinking the boat.
  • Try using the other hand to make it harder.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Marbles are a major choking hazard. Keep these materials away from children under 3 years old.

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.

The Aluminum Foil Pincer Boats

The Aluminum Foil Pincer Boats

Steps:

  • Tear off small squares of aluminum foil using both hands.
  • Pinch and fold the edges up to make a tiny boat shape.
  • Fill a plastic container with water and float your boats.
  • Use tweezers to pick up one bead at a time.
  • Carefully place the beads into the boats one by one.
  • Try to keep the boat level so it does not sink!

Safety Tip:
Beads and small foil pieces are a choking hazard. Always supervise your child during water play.