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 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 Button Cookie Spatula Flip

The Button Cookie Spatula Flip

Steps:

  • Help your child cut five medium circles from a piece of cardboard to make the cookies.
  • Glue three colorful buttons onto each cookie to look like chocolate chips.
  • Cut a long, thin rectangle from the cardboard to act as the spatula handle.
  • Tape a smaller square of cardboard to the end of the handle to finish the spatula.
  • Place the cookies button-side down on a flat table.
  • Challenge your child to slide the spatula under a cookie and flip it over into a nearby basket.
  • Ask them to use their other hand to hold the basket steady while they flip!

Safety Tip:
Buttons are a choking hazard. Always supervise your child and ensure all materials are stored safely after play.

The Sticky Plate Ball Maze

The Sticky Plate Ball Maze

Steps:

  • Place your paper plate on a flat table.
  • Cut three short pieces of yarn using your scissors.
  • Lay the yarn across the plate to make a winding path.
  • Use small pieces of masking tape to hold the yarn down.
  • Place extra strips of tape across the plate with the sticky side facing up.
  • Put the ping pong ball at the start of the path.
  • Give your child a spoon to hold.
  • Ask them to push the ball along the path without touching the sticky tape.
  • Challenge them to get to the finish line!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child to ensure they do not put the ping pong ball or masking tape in their mouth.

The Paper Cup Secret Sounds

The Paper Cup Secret Sounds

Steps:

  • Line up six empty paper cups on a table.
  • Put a small handful of rice into two cups.
  • Fill two more cups with dry beans and the last two with oats.
  • Place an index card over the top of each cup and secure it tightly with masking tape.
  • Use markers to draw a small secret symbol on the bottom of each cup to mark the pairs.
  • Mix the cups up and ask your child to shake them one by one.
  • Challenge your child to find the two cups that make the exact same sound!

Safety Tip:
Supervise your child closely when using rice or beans to prevent them from putting items in their mouth.

The Balancing Plate Bead Challenge

The Balancing Plate Bead Challenge

Steps:

  • Place the paper cup upside down on a flat table.
  • Use a small piece of masking tape to secure the cup to the table.
  • Carefully set the paper plate on top of the upside-down cup.
  • Give your child a small bowl of beads and a spoon.
  • Ask them to scoop one bead and place it on the plate.
  • Challenge them to add more beads without the plate falling off the cup!

Safety Tip:
Beads are a choking hazard. Always supervise your child. Keep all small materials away from younger siblings.