Motor Planning - Page 4 of 42

The Ribbon Twirl Spinner

Steps:

Use the pencil to carefully poke a hole right in the center of the paper plate.
Push the pencil through the hole until the plate is near the eraser end.
Use several small pieces of masking tape to secure the plate to the pencil so it doesn’t wobble.
Cut four or five long strips of colorful ribbon using your scissors.
Tape one end of each ribbon strip to the edge of the paper plate.
Have your child hold the pencil handle with one hand while using their other hand to spin the plate.
Watch as the ribbons wrap around the pencil like a colorful twister!
Challenge them to spin it the other way to unwrap the ribbons.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they are using scissors or a pencil to ensure they stay safe.

The Cardboard Box Texture Tunnel

Steps:

Use masking tape to connect two large boxes to create a long, sturdy tunnel.
Cut the flaps off both ends so your child has a clear path to crawl through.
Use tape to secure different pieces of fabric to the bottom of the tunnel.
Stick several soft cotton balls to the inner walls of the box using glue or tape.
Encourage your child to crawl through the tunnel and touch the various textures.
Talk about the sensations, asking if the walls feel soft, fuzzy, or smooth.

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: Cotton balls are small parts. Always supervise your toddler closely and ensure they do not pull them off to put in their mouth.

Newspaper Ring Launchers

Steps:

Help your child roll a single sheet of newspaper diagonally into a tight, long tube.
Wrap masking tape around the top, middle, and bottom to keep the paper firm.
Cut a large circle out of the center of a cardboard piece for a target.
Use ribbon to hang the cardboard ring from a stable doorway or chair.
Mark a throw line on the floor with tape a few feet away.
Challenge your child to throw their newspaper tube through the center of the ring.
Move the line further back to make the game harder as they improve.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is recommended to ensure the child throws safely and the area is clear of breakable items.

The Space Station Balloon Squeeze

Steps:

Blow up a balloon and tie it securely.
Place two large boxes on the floor about six inches apart.
Tell your child the balloon is a spaceship that needs to go through the narrow space station.
Ask them to push the balloon through the gap using only their elbows.
Once they succeed, move the boxes slightly closer together to make it harder.
Challenge them to push the balloon through using a slow-motion crawl.
Next, have them try to pull the balloon back through the gap using their feet!
This helps them learn how much pressure is needed to move the balloon.
Repeat the maze three times and cheer for every successful mission!

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is always required when playing with balloons. If a balloon pops, pick up the broken pieces immediately to keep your child safe.

The Pincer Slider Box Maze

Steps:

Take the lid off your shoe box.
Use markers to draw a path on the bottom.
Cut your straws into small and medium pieces.
Tape the straw pieces along the lines of your path.
These straw walls will create a maze.
Place one small button at the start of the maze.
Use your thumb and pointer finger to slide the button.
Carefully move the button through the straw tunnels to finish.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Small buttons are a choking hazard, so keep them away from younger siblings.