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.

Zigzag Cardboard Explorer

Zigzag Cardboard Explorer

Steps:

  • Use a marker to draw a wide zigzag line across your flat cardboard.
  • Adult: Carefully cut along this line using your scissors to create a narrow slot.
  • Tape the ends of the cardboard to two small boxes so the board is raised.
  • Fold an index card in half and draw a little person on the top part.
  • Slide the bottom half of the index card into the cardboard slot.
  • Hold the board with your helper hand to keep it steady.
  • Use your other hand to slide the character from one end to the other!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child while they are playing with scissors or small cardboard pieces.

Baking Cup Tightrope Balance

Baking Cup Tightrope Balance

Steps:

  • Place two large, heavy boxes about two feet apart on the floor.
  • Use masking tape to secure a long piece of yarn between the two boxes.
  • Make sure the yarn is very taut and about six inches off the ground.
  • Give your child a stack of colorful paper baking cups.
  • Show them how to turn a cup upside down and rest the center on the yarn.
  • Challenge them to place five cups in a row without any of them tipping over!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child to ensure the yarn is used safely and boxes are stable.

The Newspaper Crane Challenge

The Newspaper Crane Challenge

Steps:

  • Help your child roll a large sheet of newspaper into a tight, long rod.
  • Use several pieces of masking tape to keep the paper rod from unrolling.
  • Tape a small box firmly to one end of the long newspaper rod.
  • Scatter several small blocks on the floor in front of your child.
  • Ask your child to hold the handle end of the rod with both hands.
  • Challenge them to reach out and use the box to scoop up one block.
  • Have them lift the block and carry it to a target box on the floor.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the play area is clear of sharp furniture while your child moves the long rod.

The Secret Ribbon Loop Tunnel

The Secret Ribbon Loop Tunnel

Steps:

  • Adult: Use scissors to cut a circular hole on each side of the shoe box.
  • Thread a long ribbon through both holes and tie the ends together to make a loop.
  • Ask your child to use their pincer grasp to place stickers on the ribbon.
  • Have your child hold the box steady with one hand to build strength.
  • Encourage them to pull the ribbon through the box using their other hand.
  • Challenge them to move the loop until the stickers pop out the other side!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when playing with long ribbons to prevent entanglement. Stickers are a potential choking hazard for young children.

Stuffed Animal Delivery Drive

Stuffed Animal Delivery Drive

Steps:

  • Use your masking tape to mark a large parking square on a smooth floor or rug.
  • Place your child’s favorite stuffed animal inside the basket.
  • Ask your child to add several blocks to the basket to make it heavy for the delivery.
  • Have your child stand behind the basket and place both hands on the rim.
  • Encourage your toddler to push the basket slowly across the room toward the tape square.
  • Cheer for them when they park the delivery right inside the lines!

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: This activity uses small blocks and tape. Always supervise your child closely and keep small parts away from the mouth.