Motor Planning - Page 10 of 45

The Newspaper Crane Challenge

Steps:

Help your child roll a large sheet of newspaper into a tight, long rod.
Use several pieces of masking tape to keep the paper rod from unrolling.
Tape a small box firmly to one end of the long newspaper rod.
Scatter several small blocks on the floor in front of your child.
Ask your child to hold the handle end of the rod with both hands.
Challenge them to reach out and use the box to scoop up one block.
Have them lift the block and carry it to a target box on the floor.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the play area is clear of sharp furniture while your child moves the long rod.

The Secret Ribbon Loop Tunnel

Steps:

Adult: Use scissors to cut a circular hole on each side of the shoe box.
Thread a long ribbon through both holes and tie the ends together to make a loop.
Ask your child to use their pincer grasp to place stickers on the ribbon.
Have your child hold the box steady with one hand to build strength.
Encourage them to pull the ribbon through the box using their other hand.
Challenge them to move the loop until the stickers pop out the other side!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when playing with long ribbons to prevent entanglement. Stickers are a potential choking hazard for young children.

Stuffed Animal Delivery Drive

Steps:

Use your masking tape to mark a large parking square on a smooth floor or rug.
Place your child’s favorite stuffed animal inside the basket.
Ask your child to add several blocks to the basket to make it heavy for the delivery.
Have your child stand behind the basket and place both hands on the rim.
Encourage your toddler to push the basket slowly across the room toward the tape square.
Cheer for them when they park the delivery right inside the lines!

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: This activity uses small blocks and tape. Always supervise your child closely and keep small parts away from the mouth.

The Foil Pan Hockey Challenge

Steps:

Use masking tape to mark a small goal at one end of the pan.
Place one marble at the opposite end of the pan.
Give your child a craft stick to use as a hockey stick.
Ask them to hold the pan with their helper hand to keep it still.
Use the other hand to push the marble toward the goal.
Navigate around obstacles made of tape or blocks!
See how many goals they can score in one minute.

Safety Tip:
Marbles are a significant choking hazard. Always supervise children during play and keep small parts away from younger siblings.

The Stocking Wrecking Ball

Steps:

Place a tennis ball into the toe of a long stocking.
Slide the open end of the stocking over your child’s head like a hat.
The stocking should hang down with the ball near their chest or waist.
Use masking tape to mark a small circle on the floor for your child to stand in.
Help your child build three tall towers using the blocks just outside the circle.
Ask your child to keep their feet inside the tape circle.
Challenge them to swing their body and head to make the ball hit the towers.
Cheer as the blocks tumble down and then build them up again!

Safety Tip:
Ensure your child is in a clear area away from sharp furniture. Adult supervision is required to ensure the stocking does not cover the child’s face or eyes.