Proprioception - Page 30 of 35

Tee Time Smash

Steps:

Set up the ‘smashing station’ by placing the block of Styrofoam on a sturdy, non-slip surface, like a placemat on the kitchen table or floor.
Show your child how to place the blunt end of a golf tee onto the Styrofoam block. They must use their non-dominant (helper) hand to stabilize and hold the Styrofoam steady.
Using a spoon held like a hammer, encourage your child to tap the golf tee until it pushes all the way into the Styrofoam. They must grade their force to ensure the tee is fully embedded.
Once all the tees are smashed in, switch roles! Have your child use their finger tips or the back of the spoon to pull the tees back out, working on fine motor control and pincer grasp.

Safety Tip:
Ensure close supervision to prevent the child from putting the golf tees in their mouth or throwing the spoon. This activity requires moderate force, so make sure the table is stable.

Giant Sponge Squish Art

Steps:

Tape a large sheet of Butcher Paper securely to the floor. Set up a paint station (a shallow bowl with Tempera Paint) just to one side of the paper.
Encourage your child to kneel or squat beside the paper, not directly over it. This position naturally encourages core engagement and balance.
Have your child dip a sponge into the paint. The challenge is to use two hands to press the sponge down firmly onto the paper, making a ‘squish’ sound and mark. Make sure they reach far across their body to stamp marks on the opposite side of the paper (crossing midline).
Vary the required force: Ask them to make ‘strong’ marks (heavy work input) and then ‘light’ marks to practice motor control.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the floor area is dry before beginning and supervise closely to prevent slips, especially when working with wet paint or sponges.

The Sticky Spiderweb Challenge

A preschool-aged boy practices eye-hand coordination by throwing a pom-pom at a homemade sticky web constructed from masking tape in a doorway

Steps:

Set up the spiderweb: Use masking tape to create a sticky ‘web’ across an open doorway or the entrance to a hallway. Make sure the sticky side faces outward into the room where the child will be throwing.”
“Place the basket of pom-poms about 3 to 5 feet away from the web (adjust distance based on your child’s skill). Encourage your child to throw the pom-poms and try to get them stuck on the web.”
“Once the pom-poms are stuck, transition the activity to retrieval. Have your child carefully use their fingers to peel the stuck items off the masking tape. They will likely need to use one hand to hold the tape still while the other hand pulls the pom-pom free!”
“Repeat the process until the basket is empty, then reload and start the challenge again!

Safety Tip:
Ensure the masking tape is placed at a safe height (not near face or neck level) and supervise closely, especially when children are standing or reaching near the doorframe.

Pillow Mountain Delivery Service

Build a ‘Pillow Mountain’ obstacle path across your living room floor using 5-8 pillows. Arrange them so your child must step or jump carefully between them without touching the floor.

Sticky Pom-Pom Push

Steps:

Prepare your ‘sticky canvas’ by securing long strips of masking tape to a wall or a safe vertical surface (like a refrigerator or door). The key is to place the tape so the sticky side faces OUT toward the child.
Place a basket or container of pom-poms next to the child. Encourage them to pick up the pom-poms using their thumb and fingertips (pincer control).
Ask your child to stick the pom-poms onto the tape, using a firm push to make sure they stick. Challenge them to reach up, down, and across their body to fill the entire sticky surface!
When finished, the child can peel the pom-poms off the tape, which provides great resistance and further works those intrinsic hand muscles.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the child is supervised, especially when reaching up high. Make sure the tape is placed at an appropriate height where the child is not required to over-extend dangerously.