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.

The Tape Rescue Mission

The Tape Rescue Mission

Steps:

  • Cut several small strips of masking tape.
  • Press one strip gently onto your child’s knee.
  • Ask your child to find the tape on their body.
  • Encourage them to peel the tape off using their fingers.
  • Try placing tape on their elbow, foot, or hand next.
  • Cheer for them as they name each body part!

Safety Tip:
Choking Hazard. This activity involves masking tape which can be torn into small pieces. Always supervise your child to ensure they do not put tape in their mouth.

The Cardboard Ribbon Slider

The Cardboard Ribbon Slider

Steps:

  • Help your child cut a rectangular piece of cardboard about the size of a book.
  • Adult step: Use scissors to poke three narrow slots across the middle of the cardboard.
  • Make sure the slots are just wide enough for your ribbon to pass through.
  • Thread a long piece of ribbon through the first slot from the back to the front.
  • Guide the ribbon back through the second slot, and then out through the third.
  • Tie a small knot at each end of the ribbon so it cannot be pulled all the way out.
  • Use masking tape to secure the cardboard to the table if it slides too much.
  • Have your child use one hand to hold the cardboard and the other to pull the ribbon.
  • Encourage them to pull the ribbon back and forth through the slots until they finish.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when using scissors or handling long pieces of ribbon.

The Cardboard Tube Ball Lift

The Cardboard Tube Ball Lift

Steps:

  • Place a tennis ball on a flat floor or rug.
  • Give your child two long cardboard paper towel rolls.
  • Ask your child to hold one roll in each hand.
  • Challenge them to squeeze the ball between the ends of the paper rolls.
  • Once they have a firm grip, lift the ball off the ground.
  • Ask them to walk slowly toward a basket a few feet away.
  • Carefully release the ball into the basket without using their hands.
  • Repeat the challenge with balls of different sizes!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during this activity to prevent them from tripping. Ensure the floor is clear of other toys.

The Card Link Arch

The Card Link Arch

Steps:

  • Place the paper cup upside down on a flat table.
  • Pick up two index cards with your helper hand.
  • Slide a paper clip onto the edges to join the cards.
  • Repeat this to make a long chain of four or five cards.
  • Curve the cards over the cup to form a bridge.
  • Add extra clips to the bottom of the end cards for weight.
  • Slide the cup out slowly to see if the arch stays up.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the child remains seated at the table and uses only the craft materials.

Sitting Balloon Soccer

Sitting Balloon Soccer

Steps:

  • Tape a large square on a clear wall to be the ‘soccer goal.’
  • Blow up a balloon and tie it securely for your child.
  • Have your child sit on a rug and lean back on their hands for support.
  • Challenge them to lift their feet and keep the balloon in the air.
  • Ask them to kick the balloon toward the masking tape goal.
  • See how many goals they can score in one minute!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play to prevent bumps or falls. Pick up broken balloon pieces immediately.