Motor Planning - Page 8 of 45

The Growing Newspaper Tree

Steps:

Take two large sheets of newspaper and lay them flat on the floor.
Overlap the edges slightly and use a piece of masking tape to hold them together.
Start at one end and roll the newspaper up into a very long, tight tube.
Wrap another piece of tape around the bottom of the tube to keep it from unrolling.
Hold the tube steady with one hand and use your scissors to cut four long slits from the top down to the middle.
Reach into the center of the tube and gently pull the paper upward.
Watch as your tree grows taller and taller as you pull the strips out!
Use your hands to fluff out the paper branches to finish your tree.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child while they are using scissors to keep them safe.

Standing Newspaper Foot Crumple Challenge

Steps:

Lay a flat sheet of newspaper on a smooth floor or rug.
Ask your child to stand on one leg next to the paper.
Use the other foot to slowly crinkle and crumple the paper into a ball.
The child must keep their standing foot still the whole time.
Once it is a ball, use the foot to push it into a basket.
Switch legs and try to crumple a new sheet of paper!
Challenge them to do it faster each time they play.

Safety Tip:
Ensure your child is near a wall or a sturdy chair for support if they lose their balance.

The Cardboard Box Pinball Goal

Steps:

Open the shoe box and remove the lid to create your play arena.
Cut small strips of cardboard from the lid to make bumpers.
Tape the bumpers inside the box at different angles using masking tape.
Cut a paper straw into three pieces and tape them down as obstacles.
Use your markers to draw point values like 10 or 50 on the bumpers.
Hold the box with both hands and place the ping pong ball inside.
Tilt the box slowly to roll the ball and hit every bumper target!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child while they are using scissors. Ensure the box edges are smooth to prevent any small scratches during play.

The Rainbow Ribbon Spool

Steps:

Tape the end of three colorful ribbons to the center of a paper roll.
Place the paper roll horizontally inside a small basket.
Use masking tape to secure the ends of the roll to the basket sides.
This allows the roll to spin in place like a spool of thread.
Encourage your child to pull a ribbon to unwind it completely.
Show them how to use both hands to wind the ribbon back up.
They must use their tiny fingers to keep the ribbon tight.

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: Ribbons and tape are small parts. Always watch your child closely during play.

The Silent Bubble Walk

Steps:

Cut two wide strips of bubble wrap using your scissors.
Wrap one strip gently around each of your child’s shins.
Secure the wrap with a small piece of masking tape.
Ensure the tape is not tight against the skin.
Use masking tape to mark a zigzag path on the floor.
Ask your child to walk the path in total silence.
The goal is to reach the finish line without popping any bubbles!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child to ensure the tape is not too tight and the plastic is handled safely.