Intrinsic Muscle Development - Page 15 of 18

Sticky Shape Press

Steps:

Use a marker to draw a large, simple shape (like a heart or square) onto the construction paper.
Tear a long strip of masking tape. Encourage your child to tear the tape into many small, postage stamp-sized pieces.
Challenge the child to use a precise pincer grasp to fill the drawn shape completely with the small tape pieces.
Pick up the craft stick. Show the child how to hold it like a pencil, keeping the wrist slightly bent backward (extended).
Use the craft stick to rub and press down firmly over every piece of tape. Applying strong pressure provides excellent heavy work for their hands.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Ensure the child understands the materials are only for crafting and not for placing in the mouth.

Clip Straightener Stack

Steps:

Secure the paper plate on the table. Use your child’s helper hand to stabilize it. Roll the playdough into a long log shape and press it firmly onto the plate to create a resistant base.
Pick up one paper clip. Encourage your child to use both hands together to pull and bend the paper clip until it is completely straight. This requires concentration and effort.
Using a precise pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger), push the sharp end of the straightened wire deep into the resistant playdough roll. Continue this process until the plate is full of straight wire posts.

Safety Tip:
Paper clips can become sharp once straightened. Adults must supervise closely to ensure the wires are only used in the playdough and not near the face. Monitor for choking if the child mouths small pieces of playdough.

Tear Tape Art

Steps:

Use markers to draw a simple picture or shape on the construction paper. Keep the lines wide and easy to fill.
Give the child long strips of masking tape. Encourage them to use both hands to tear the tape into tiny, postage stamp-sized pieces. Drop the torn pieces into the plastic container.
Challenge the child to use a precise pincer grasp to pick up the small tape pieces. Press them firmly onto the marker lines, filling in the design like a mosaic.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise children closely during this activity. Ensure that torn pieces of masking tape are not placed in the mouth or near the face.

Squeeze Slot Mail Drop

Steps:

Use markers to color several index cards brightly. You can also cut simple shapes from construction paper and tape them onto the cards.
Place long strips of masking tape across the top opening of the container. Crisscross the tape strips to create a very tight, narrow slot in the center.
Ask your child to hold the container firmly with their non-dominant hand. This stabilizes the toy for the working hand.
Pick up one index card. Encourage your child to squeeze the card flat lengthwise using their fingertips.
Challenge them to push the squeezed, flat card straight through the narrow, resistant tape slot. Repeat this until all the mail is successfully delivered.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required during this activity. Ensure the child remains focused on the task and does not attempt to ingest any pieces of masking tape or paper.

Vertical Tape Relief

Steps:

Secure a flat piece of cardboard vertically onto a wall or door at your child’s eye level. Use extra masking tape to anchor it.
Use markers to draw a simple picture or design, like a big tree or an animal shape, on the cardboard.
Give the child long strips of masking tape. Encourage them to tear the tape into many small, 1-inch squares.
The child should use both hands for tearing. Drop the finished small pieces into the plastic container.
Pick up one small tape piece using only the thumb and pointer finger (pincer control).
Challenge your child to press the sticky side of the tape piece firmly onto the drawn shape. Strong, controlled pressure is needed.
Continue layering the tape pieces until the entire drawing is covered, creating a textured relief artwork. Add stickers for eyes or details.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Ensure the vertical cardboard is secured firmly to prevent it from falling. Always monitor children to ensure they do not attempt to place torn tape pieces in their mouths.