Proprioception - Page 20 of 35

Pipe Cleaner Ring Drop

Steps:

Adult Prep: Use the scissors to cut a strip of construction paper that fits over the container opening. Secure this paper firmly with masking tape.
Adult Prep: Cut one very narrow, tight slit (about 1.5 inches long) in the center of the secured paper strip to create a resistant mail slot.
Give your child the pipe cleaners. Encourage them to use both hands to bend and twist each pipe cleaner into a tight, stiff ring or loop.
Ask your child to hold the prepared container firmly with their helper hand to keep it stable on the table.
Pick up one stiff pipe cleaner ring. Challenge your child to thread the ring straight through the narrow, resistant slit using a strong, controlled push.
Repeat this process until all the loops have successfully been dropped inside the container.

Safety Tip:
Pipe cleaners are a choking hazard if ingested. Constant, direct adult supervision is required. Ensure any cut or broken ends are collected immediately as they may be sharp.

Stick Drop Loader

Steps:

Ask an adult to cut a small, sturdy rectangle from the cardboard. Use scissors to cut 4 to 6 very tight, narrow slits (about 1 inch long) across the cardboard surface.
Place the cardboard target vertically against a wall or laid flat on the table. Place the pom-poms and craft sticks nearby.
Challenge your child to pick up one pom-pom using only their thumb and pointer finger (pincer grasp).
Carefully hold the pom-pom and push one end of the craft stick into it until the pom-pom is firmly loaded onto the tip of the stick. This is tricky!
Hold the cardboard steady with the helper hand. Use the dominant hand to aim and push the loaded craft stick straight through the resistant slot.
The goal is to feel the push and send the loaded stick completely inside the target. Repeat until all the slots are full.

Safety Tip:
Craft sticks are small and pom-poms are choking hazards. Constant, direct adult supervision is required throughout this activity.

Fuzzy Force Sculpture

Steps:

Secure the felt sheet firmly onto the cardboard using masking tape. Stand the cardboard upright against a wall or chair.
Place the pile of pipe cleaners in the container nearby. Encourage your child to pick up one fuzzy stick.
Use both hands together to bend and twist the pipe cleaner into a tight, dense shape, like a small coil or spiral. Bending requires strength!
Ask your child to hold the cardboard steady with their helper hand to provide stability for the surface.
Challenge them to press the bent pipe cleaner firmly onto the felt surface until it sticks.
Continue bending and pressing fuzzy sticks to create a unique sculpture, like an animal or a colorful abstract design.
Try switching the hands used for bending and stabilizing to give both sides a workout.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Pipe cleaners can have sharp ends after cutting or twisting. Ensure the child does not place materials near their mouth, eyes, or ears.

Block Tower Tug

Steps:

Help your child build a tall tower using heavy blocks. Use Masking Tape to secure a piece of String or Yarn tightly to the bottom block.
Place the finished tower about four feet away on a smooth, non-carpeted floor. Clear the path between the tower and your child.
Ask your child to assume a tall kneeling position behind the string. This requires good core stability.
Challenge your child to pull the tower toward them using the string. Encourage them to use both hands in an alternating, hand-over-hand motion.
Remind them to use slow, steady, and strong pulls. They must grade their force so the tower does not tip over when it reaches them.
Once the tower is rescued, rebuild it quickly. Try pulling the tower with only the non-dominant hand for a challenge.

Safety Tip:
Constant adult supervision is required. Ensure the playing area is clear of all trip hazards. Always supervise children when they are using string or yarn to prevent strangulation risks.

Sponge Squeeze Splash

Steps:

Fill a large bucket or Container halfway with water. Place the Sponge inside to soak.
Place a small, empty Plastic Container about three feet away. This is your target zone.
Have your child kneel or stand stably beside the large water bucket.
Encourage your child to reach in and grab the wet sponge. Lift it carefully over the target container.
Use a strong, firm squeeze with one hand to empty the water into the target. Encourage maximum effort!
Return the empty sponge to the bucket. Repeat the process until the small target container is full.

Safety Tip:
Constant adult supervision is required. This activity involves water, so ensure the playing area is non-slip to prevent falls. Make sure the child does not put the sponge or water near their mouth.