Skill: Hand Arches/Separation

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.

Mac and Shake

Poke a hole in the container’s lid.

The hole should provide enough resistance to make it challenging for the child to insert the macaroni inside.

Have the child insert large macaroni one at a time through the hole in lid into the container.

To work on finger translation, ask the child to collect two macaroni pieces at a time and store one in his/her palm while inserting the other into the container.

The child should use one hand to hold the container and the other one to insert the items.

Children enjoy listening to the sound the container makes when they shake it.

This activity can be done using other items such as coins, beans, or smaller macaroni.

 

Punch It

For this activity, you might want to use a one hole or a shaped hole puncher.

Have the child punch random holes on stiff paper/index cards using the hole puncher.

Promote the child to alternate squeezing the lever with their thumb and first finger, then thumb and middle finger, and so on. This will help in developing the small muscles of their hands in addition to thumb opposition.

Squeeze and Paint

Fill up the spray bottle with water and food coloring.

Have the child grasp the neck of the spray bottle using his/her little finger, ring finger, and thumb.

Have the child put his/her index finger and middle finger on the trigger.

Ask the child to squeeze the trigger and spray the coffee filter/butcher paper to create a colorful picture.