Developing the natural curve of the palm and learning to use the thumb side of the hand for work while the pinky side provides stability. This makes writing and cutting much easier.
In a small and shallow container mix a few drops of food color with water.
Have the child squeeze the eyedropper to collect some colored water from the shallow container and then squeeze it again into the sections of the ice cube tray.
Once all the ice cube tray sections are filled, place the tray in the freezer.
Hold all the straws or pipe-cleaners together in your palm or have the child hold them this way and let go of all of them at once.
Once they are spread, ask the child to pick up one straw at a time, without moving the other straws.
Take turns picking up the straws.
If you or the child moves other straws when picking up a straw, the game is over. The winner is the one who has the most straws.
Another version of the game could be to ask the child to pick up a certain color of straws:
Start by holding all the straws together and let all of them go at once. Once they are spread, ask the child to first pick up all the blue straws, then all the green straws, and so on (for this version of the game, it’s OK if the other straws are moving).
For young children or those with poor grasp, use wider straws.
Place two containers or buckets on opposite sides of the room or the area you play at.
Fill up one of the containers with water.
You may add food coloring if you wish.
Have the child transfer the water from one container to the other using a squeeze bottle or an eyedropper.
Cut the plastic straws into about 1-inch pieces.
Lace the small straw pieces into the string or yarn to create a straw necklace.
You can use different color plastic straws and create matching patterns for the straw necklaces.
Instruct the child to turn the cup upside down and dip the rim into the paint. Fingers should spread across the bottom of the cup for a firm grasp.
Place the paint covered rim firmly on the paper to make the ring. Repeat desired amount of times with each color chosen. The cup should be re-dipped for each new ring.
Be sure to instruct the child to keep the cups on the designated color plate so the colors do not run and blend. (E.g. blue cup with blue paint, red with red, etc.)
Benefits of this activity:
1. Holding the cup with the fingers all spread apart strengthen the thumb muscles and deep muscles in the hand that play a key role in the dexterity required for moving a pencil for writing and drawing.
2. A motor sequence occurs as the child dips, places the cup on the paper and repeats this.
3. Eye-hand motor coordination occurs as the child plans where to place the cup. The dramatic colors draw the child’s eyes to the paper.
4. Matching colors-correct plate for the paint covered cup
5. Planning a design may occur.
Note: For children with tactile sensitivities, be sure to have a towel or source for washing hands nearby.
