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 Balloon Tongs Catch

The Balloon Tongs Catch

Steps:

  • Blow up a bright balloon and tie it securely.
  • Place an empty basket on the floor across the room.
  • Give your child a pair of sturdy tongs to hold.
  • Toss the balloon gently into the air for them.
  • Challenge your child to squeeze and catch the balloon using only the tongs.
  • Have them carry the balloon carefully and drop it into the basket.
  • If the balloon drops, they must start over from the beginning.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Discard any popped balloon pieces immediately to prevent a choking hazard.

The Noodle Ring Spire

The Noodle Ring Spire

Steps:

  • Roll a large ball of playdough using both hands.
  • Press the ball flat onto the table to make a steady base.
  • Push a wooden stick straight down into the center of the playdough so it stands upright like a pole.
  • Help your child hold the pool noodle steady with their helper hand.
  • Use a plastic safety knife to slice the pool noodle into thick, round rings.
  • Pick up one noodle ring and slide it over the wooden stick.
  • Stack all the rings to build a colorful, wobbly spire!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child closely when they are using a safety knife. Ensure the wooden stick is blunt and handled safely.

Laundry Basket Sailboat

Laundry Basket Sailboat

Steps:

  • Place a large laundry basket on a smooth floor like wood or tile.
  • Have your child sit inside the basket with their legs tucked in comfortably.
  • Give them a long pool noodle to hold with both hands like an oar.
  • Show them how to push the noodle against the floor to move the basket.
  • Encourage them to alternate pushing on the left and then the right side.
  • Use masking tape to mark a start and finish line for the race.

Safety Tip:
Supervise your child to keep the basket from tipping. Make sure the floor is clear of toys that could trip them up.

Balloon Blast Ping Pong Path

Balloon Blast Ping Pong Path

Steps:

  • Cut several long strips of cardboard and bend them into U-shaped arches.
  • Use masking tape to stick these arches onto a flat table to make a tunnel path.
  • Place a ping pong ball at the very beginning of the path.
  • Blow up a bright balloon but do not tie the end shut.
  • Pinch the balloon neck tightly with your fingers to keep the air inside.
  • Hold the balloon behind the ball and point the opening at it.
  • Slowly let go of the pinch to release a blast of air.
  • Try to blow the ball through every single cardboard arch to the finish!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they are playing with balloons. If a balloon pops, pick up and throw away the broken pieces immediately. These can be a choking hazard.

The Cardboard Paddle Balance Walk

The Cardboard Paddle Balance Walk

Steps:

  • Cut a piece of cardboard into a square shape, about the size of a book.
  • Use masking tape to mark a start and finish line on the floor.
  • Place a ping pong ball in the center of the cardboard paddle.
  • Ask your child to hold the paddle with both hands at first.
  • Challenge them to walk from the start line to the finish line without the ball falling.
  • Once they are experts, have them try holding the paddle with only one hand!

Safety Tip:
Supervise your child during the activity to prevent any trips or falls on the floor.