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 Craft Stick Picture Puzzle

The Craft Stick Picture Puzzle

Steps:

  • Line up five or six craft sticks side-by-side on a flat table.
  • Place a long strip of masking tape across the back to hold them together.
  • Flip the sticks over so the tape is on the bottom.
  • Ask your child to draw a simple picture across all the sticks using markers.
  • Carefully peel the masking tape off the back.
  • Mix up the craft sticks so the picture is out of order.
  • Challenge your child to put the sticks back in the right order to reveal the picture!

Safety Tip:
Supervise your child while they use markers to ensure they stay on the craft sticks. Check the sticks for splinters before starting the activity.

The Balloon Body Bop

The Balloon Body Bop

Steps:

  • Blow up a balloon and tie it securely.
  • Tap the balloon into the air to show your child how it floats.
  • Call out a body part like Hand and help them tap it.
  • Try a harder part like Knee or Head to keep the balloon up.
  • See how many times they can tap it before it hits the floor.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is always required when playing with balloons. Balloons and broken pieces are a serious choking hazard. Dispose of any popped pieces immediately to keep your child safe.

The Paper Plate Steering Wheel

The Paper Plate Steering Wheel

Steps:

  • Draw a colorful dashboard and buttons on your paper plate with markers.
  • Apply a large dab of glue to the center of the plate’s back.
  • Press the cap of an empty plastic bottle firmly into the glue.
  • Allow the glue to dry completely so the wheel stays attached to the handle.
  • Place several blocks in a zigzag line on the floor to make a path.
  • Ask your child to hold the bottle and ‘drive’ through the block maze!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play to ensure they use the materials safely and do not put small blocks in their mouth.

The Paper Plate Pulley

The Paper Plate Pulley

Steps:

  • Use the hole puncher to make one hole in the middle of your paper plate.
  • Tape the paper plate to the top of a stable door frame using masking tape.
  • Thread your string through the hole you made in the plate.
  • Use the hole puncher to make two small holes near the rim of your paper cup.
  • Tie one end of the string through the holes in the cup to make a handle.
  • Fill the cup with a handful of beans to act as cargo.
  • Stand below the plate and pull the loose end of the string to lift the cup.
  • Try to lower the cup slowly to the floor without letting it drop or crash!

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required when using long pieces of string to prevent a strangulation hazard.

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.