In-hand Manipulation

The Button Anchor Wind-Up

Steps:

Fill an empty milk container halfway with dry rice to make it heavy.
Tape the cap shut securely so the rice stays inside.
Cut a long piece of yarn, about three feet long.
Tape one end of the yarn to the bottom of the milk container.
Hand your child a button and show them how to thread the yarn through it.
Have your child hold the jug steady with one hand while winding the yarn once around the container.
Thread another button and wind the yarn again.
Continue until all the buttons are anchored onto the jug!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play as buttons and dry rice are choking hazards. Ensure the jug is on a stable surface to prevent it from falling on little toes.

The Masking Tape Ribbon Tangle

Steps:

Start by taping one end of a long ribbon to a flat table using a small piece of masking tape.
Stretch the ribbon across the table and place another piece of tape over it every few inches to create a tangled path.
Ask your child to use their fingertips to find the edge of each piece of tape.
Encourage them to peel the tape up to rescue the ribbon from the table.
Once the ribbon is free, show them how to roll it up into a small bundle using both hands.
Place the finished ribbon roll into a basket and repeat with a different color!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play to ensure they do not put masking tape or ribbon in their mouth. Ensure the table has smooth edges to prevent any scratches.

The Pool Noodle Penny Bank

Steps:

An adult uses a knife to cut several narrow slits into a pool noodle.
Use your markers to write point values like 5, 10, or 25 next to each slot.
Give your child five coins from a plastic container to hold in their palm at once.
Ask your child to move one coin to their fingertips without using their other hand.
Challenge them to push the coin firmly into a slot on the pool noodle.
Repeat this until all the coins are safely inside the noodle bank!

Safety Tip:
Coins are a choking hazard. Keep them away from younger siblings. Always supervise your child during play.

The Stocking Bean Bag Rescue

Steps:

Place one bean bag into the toe of a long stocking.
Hold the top of the stocking with your helper hand.
Use your dominant hand to find the bean bag through the fabric.
Use your fingers to pinch and push the bean bag up the leg.
Slide the bag all the way to the top opening.
Take the bean bag out and switch hands to try again!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Check the bean bag for any tears or loose beads before starting.

The Index Card Pincer-Flip

Steps:

Use your markers to draw a large dot on one side of ten index cards.
Place the cards on a table with the dots facing down.
Have your child use their thumb and index finger to flip one card at a time.
They should quickly name the color and place the card into the cup.
Challenge them to flip all the cards using only their non-dominant hand.
Try to beat a personal speed record to keep it exciting!

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is recommended. Ensure the child remains seated at the table to focus on the fine motor movements.