Skill: Motor Planning

Motor planning is the ability to assess a motor activity, plan and organize how to carry out that motor activity, and finally implement motor skills to achieve that motor activity.

Motor planning leads to the ability to carry out a motor skill automatically after enough practice.

Stick Target Launch

Stick Target Launch

Steps:

  • Set up the launcher: Use masking tape to secure one end of a craft stick firmly onto the top edge of a small box. Leave the majority of the stick sticking out like a lever.
  • Create the target zone by using masking tape to mark a square or circle on the construction paper. Place the paper a short distance from the launch box.
  • Load the launcher by placing a pom-pom near the free end of the craft stick. Use a precise pincer grasp to place it gently.
  • Ask your child to hold the box steady with their non-dominant (helper) hand to provide stability for the launch.
  • Challenge them to use their dominant hand’s index finger to flick the end of the craft stick, aiming to launch the pom-pom onto the target.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise this activity closely. Pom-poms are small and pose a choking hazard for children who still place objects in their mouths. Ensure all small pieces are collected after play.

Stick Flag Thread

Steps:

  • Use markers to color the craft sticks in three different colors (e.g., red, blue, green).
  • An adult should cut the paper roll into 3-inch sections. Use a hole puncher to create 6 to 8 holes randomly around each section.
  • Help your child take index cards and draw a matching colored dot on each one. Cut a small slit into the center of each card (these are your flags).
  • Challenge your child to hold the paper roll steady with their helper hand. They use their other hand to thread a colored stick straight through one of the holes.
  • Once the stick is threaded, they must find the matching colored index card flag. Ask them to slide the flag onto the exposed end of the stick.
  • Continue threading sticks and matching flags until the entire paper roll is covered in colorful flags!

Safety Tip:
Adults must handle the scissors and hole puncher during preparation. Supervise the activity to ensure the child does not put the craft sticks near their eyes or mouth.

Squeeze Slot Mail Drop

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.

Foil Comet Toss

Foil Comet Toss

Steps:

  • Tear a piece of aluminum foil off the roll. Use strong, bilateral hand movements to rip the resistant foil.
  • Use both hands and fingertips to crumple the foil into the smallest, tightest ball possible. This is your heavy ‘Comet.’
  • Repeat this process until you have 5 to 6 foil comets ready in your container.
  • The adult will use masking tape to hang the cardboard target from the ceiling or a doorway. Ensure it swings freely at the child’s chest level.
  • Challenge your child to stand still. Use the non-dominant hand to gently tap the cardboard, making it swing slowly.
  • Throw the foil comets one by one at the moving target. Practice grading the force of the throw to hit the center of the swinging target.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the aluminum foil is crumpled very tightly to eliminate any sharp, exposed edges. Supervise closely during throwing to ensure the child aims away from faces or breakable objects.

Spoon Obstacle Delivery

Spoon Obstacle Delivery

Steps:

  • Create a path on the floor by spacing out 4-5 Boxes. Use different sizes of boxes to create a varied, low obstacle maze.
  • Place the Stuffed Animal (the customer!) at the finish line. Give your child the Spoon and have them balance the Ping Pong Ball on it.
  • Challenge your child to walk or step carefully through the maze without letting the “delivery” fall off the spoon. If it drops, they must return to the starting point to try again.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the path is clear of trip hazards. Make sure the boxes used as obstacles are sturdy enough not to collapse when bumped.