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 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.

The Craft Stick Raft Challenge

The Craft Stick Raft Challenge

Steps:

  • Place four craft sticks side-by-side on the table.
  • Use two long strips of masking tape to stick them together into a flat raft.
  • Fill your aluminium foil pan halfway with cool water.
  • Carefully set your craft stick raft on top of the water so it floats.
  • Use your thumb and pointer finger to place one button at a time onto the raft.
  • Keep adding buttons until the raft begins to dip or sink into the water!

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Buttons and masking tape are small and can be a choking hazard.

The Nosey Ball Maze

The Nosey Ball Maze

Steps:

  • Use your masking tape to create a winding path on a smooth floor or rug.
  • Make sure the path has a clear start and finish line.
  • Have your child get down on their hands and knees at the start.
  • Place a small ball, like a ping pong ball, right in front of their face.
  • Challenge your child to push the ball through the maze using only their nose!
  • They must keep their hands on the floor to stay steady as they move.
  • Encourage them to stay inside the tape lines until they reach the end.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during floor play to ensure they do not bump their head on nearby furniture.