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 Sturdy Newspaper Bridge

The Sturdy Newspaper Bridge

Steps:

  • Lay a sheet of newspaper flat on a table.
  • Start at one corner and roll the paper into a very tight, thin tube.
  • Use a small piece of masking tape to secure the end.
  • Repeat this until you have at least ten strong paper tubes.
  • Place two stacks of blocks about six inches apart on the table.
  • Tape your paper tubes together to create a flat platform.
  • Lay the platform across the blocks to form a bridge.
  • Gently place more blocks on top of the bridge to see how much weight it can hold!

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is recommended to help with the building and design of the bridge. Be careful with any small tape pieces that might stick to other surfaces.

Ribbon Rescue Basket Mission

Ribbon Rescue Basket Mission

Steps:

  • Grab a plastic basket with holes on the sides.
  • Place a favorite stuffed animal inside the basket.
  • Take long pieces of ribbon and weave them through the holes.
  • Crisscross the ribbon over the top to trap the toy.
  • Ask your child to rescue the toy by unweaving the ribbon.
  • They must pull each ribbon completely out through the holes.
  • Encourage them to use one hand to hold the basket and the other to pull.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is recommended to ensure the long ribbons do not get tangled around the child.

The Heavy Balloon Balance Walk

The Heavy Balloon Balance Walk

Steps:

  • Blow up a balloon and tie it for your child.
  • Use masking tape to create a long, straight path on the floor.
  • Ask your child to stand at the start of the line.
  • Have them hold the balloon in front of them with both hands.
  • Place one bean bag on top of the balloon.
  • Challenge them to walk along the tape line.
  • They must keep the bean bag from sliding off the balloon!
  • If the bag falls, they should stop, reset, and try again.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the walking path is clear of furniture and trip hazards to prevent falls while your child is looking at the balloon.

The Feather Wind-Trace

The Feather Wind-Trace

Steps:

  • Tape a long piece of butcher paper to the floor using masking tape.
  • Use a marker to draw a wide, winding path from one end to the other.
  • Place a soft pom-pom at the start of your windy path.
  • Give your child a feather and show them how to use it as a broom.
  • Challenge them to sweep the pom-pom all the way to the finish line.
  • Make sure they keep the pom-pom inside the lines as they move.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is recommended. Ensure the child stays in a stable kneeling or sitting position to prevent slipping on the paper.

The Yarn Star Weaver

The Yarn Star Weaver

Steps:

  • Glue two craft sticks together in the shape of a cross.
  • Wait for the glue to dry so the sticks are sturdy.
  • Tie the end of your yarn to the center of the cross.
  • Wrap the yarn once around one stick, then move to the next.
  • Continue this wrapping pattern until the star reaches your desired size.
  • Use scissors to cut the yarn and tie a final knot to finish.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is recommended while using scissors and glue. Ensure the craft sticks are smooth to prevent any small splinters.