Skill: Intrinsic Muscle Development

Strengthening the tiny muscles located deep inside the hand. These small muscles are vital for cupping the palm to hold water, making precise finger movements, and holding a pencil with good control.

The Rainbow Ribbon Spool

The Rainbow Ribbon Spool

Steps:

  • Tape the end of three colorful ribbons to the center of a paper roll.
  • Place the paper roll horizontally inside a small basket.
  • Use masking tape to secure the ends of the roll to the basket sides.
  • This allows the roll to spin in place like a spool of thread.
  • Encourage your child to pull a ribbon to unwind it completely.
  • Show them how to use both hands to wind the ribbon back up.
  • They must use their tiny fingers to keep the ribbon tight.

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: Ribbons and tape are small parts. Always watch your child closely during play.

Cosmic Tissue Bottle Push

Cosmic Tissue Bottle Push

Steps:

  • Adult: Give your child several sheets of colorful tissue paper.
  • Child: Tear the paper into small pieces using both hands.
  • Crumple each piece into a very tight, round ball.
  • Adult: Secure two pipe cleaners over the bottle mouth in an X shape.
  • Use masking tape to hold the pipe cleaners to the bottle sides.
  • Child: Hold the bottle steady with your helper hand.
  • Use your pinching fingers to pick up a paper ball.
  • Push the ball hard through the fuzzy pipe cleaner gate until it drops inside.

Safety Tip:
Tissue paper and pipe cleaners can be a choking hazard. Always supervise your child during play to keep them safe.

Baking Cup Hidden Bubble Pops

Baking Cup Hidden Bubble Pops

Steps:

  • Glue five baking cups onto a flat piece of cardboard.
  • Cut five small circles of bubble wrap to fit inside the cups.
  • Place a small dab of glue at the bottom of each cup.
  • Press the bubble wrap circles firmly into the glue.
  • Ask your child to use only their pointer finger to pop the bubbles.
  • Challenge them to use their other hand to hold the cardboard steady.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child to ensure they do not put small pieces of bubble wrap in their mouth.

The Stocking Bean Bag Rescue

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 Cardboard Ring Squeezer

The Cardboard Ring Squeezer

Steps:

  • Use markers to draw three big circles on a piece of construction paper.
  • Color each circle a different color using your markers.
  • Take an empty paper roll and use your scissors to cut it into four rings.
  • Place a pile of colorful pom-poms on the table.
  • Show your child how to hold one cardboard ring between their thumb and fingers.
  • Squeeze the ring to make it flat like a pair of tweezers.
  • Use the flattened ring to pinch a pom-pom.
  • Carry the pom-pom and drop it into the matching colored circle on the paper.
  • See how fast you can sort all the fuzzy pom-poms!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child while they use scissors. Small pom-poms can be a choking hazard, so keep them away from younger siblings.