Intrinsic Muscle Development - Page 5 of 24

The Clothespin Cliff Climber

Steps:

Place the shoe box on its side on a flat table.
Use masking tape to stick five index cards vertically along the side of the box.
Make sure the cards are spaced out like steps on a ladder.
Use markers to draw a small start flag on the bottom card and a finish flag on the top card.
Have your child use a clothespin to clip onto the bottom index card.
Challenge them to unclip and move the clothespin up to the next card without the box sliding.
Continue until the climber reaches the top flag!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during this activity to ensure they use the clothespins safely on the cards.

Crumpled Leaf Twig Tree

Steps:

Stand your branch inside the container using a large lump of playdough.
Encourage your child to tear strips of tissue paper with both hands.
Ask them to crumple the paper into small balls using only their fingertips.
Have your child pick up a clothespin and squeeze it open.
They must trap a tissue paper leaf inside the clothespin.
Challenge them to clip the leaf onto a twig on the branch.
Continue until the branch is full of colorful tissue paper leaves!

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Small pieces of tissue paper and playdough can be a choking hazard. Watch for sharp twigs on the branches.

Cardboard Tunnel Connectors

Steps:

Use markers to draw several long strips (about 1 inch wide) onto the sturdy cardboard.
Challenge your child to use both hands to roll one cardboard strip tightly into a narrow tube or ‘tunnel.’ Secure the tube seam completely with masking tape.
Repeat this process until you have four or five finished cardboard tubes. Encourage tight rolling for resistance.
Take two pipe cleaners and twist them together tightly to create one stiff, thick connector stick. Repeat this step for each join you plan to make.
Ask your child to hold one cardboard tube firmly steady with their helper hand. Push one stiff connector halfway into the end of the first tube.
Pick up a second cardboard tube. Use a strong, controlled push to slide the second tube onto the exposed end of the connector. Continue joining the tubes to build a long, rigid tunnel structure.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Pipe cleaners are small materials and pose a choking hazard for children who still place objects in their mouths. Adults should manage the scissors for cutting the cardboard strips.

Putty Cord Threading Art

Steps:

Use markers to draw several small target dots randomly across the cardboard surface. Keep the cardboard stable with your helper hand.
Squeeze the hole puncher forcefully onto each marker dot. Punch 6 to 8 holes across the cardboard to create your weaving board.
Take a large lump of Theraputty. Use strong effort to roll the putty tightly into long, stiff, spaghetti-like cords.
Pick up one stiff putty cord. Hold the cardboard firmly steady with your non-dominant hand.
Challenge your child to use the stiff cord like a needle. Push the cord straight through one of the narrow punched holes. Pull it all the way through.
Continue threading and pushing the putty cords through the holes to create a colorful, textured design.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Theraputty/Playdough is a dense material and poses a choking hazard for children who still place items in their mouths. Ensure materials are used only as intended.

Tight Weave Screw Frame

Steps:

Use the Markers to draw a sturdy frame or square onto the Cardboard. Use the Scissors to cut this frame out (parent assistance may be needed).
Take the Index Cards and cut them into long, colorful strips for weaving. Draw a simple pattern on them using markers.
Glue the beginning of each strip to the back of the Cardboard frame. Weave the strips tightly across the frame, then secure the ends with Glue on the back.
Using the Hole Puncher, squeeze hard to punch 4 holes straight through the woven layers and the Cardboard frame. This requires strong effort!
Stabilize the frame with your helper hand. Push a Bolt straight through one of the tight, punched holes.
Pick up a Nut with a precise Pincer Grasp. Twist the Nut firmly onto the Bolt until the woven strips are compressed tightly. Repeat until all holes are secured.

Safety Tip:
Constant adult supervision is required when using scissors. Ensure the child handles the nuts and bolts appropriately, keeping them away from the mouth, nose, and ears.