Skill: Proximal Stability

Strength and steadiness in the center of the body. A stable core and shoulders provide a solid base so the hands can be steady for writing or cutting.

The Floating Island Bean Drop

The Floating Island Bean Drop

Steps:

  • Fill the aluminium foil pan halfway with cool water to create your ‘ocean.’
  • Place the sponge gently into the water so it floats like a tiny island.
  • Put a handful of dry beans into a small bowl next to the pan.
  • Show your toddler how to pick up one bean using their thumb and pointer finger.
  • Encourage your child to carefully set the bean onto the center of the floating sponge.
  • Watch as the sponge bobs and tilts with each new bean added!
  • Challenge them to see how many beans the island can hold before it gets too heavy.
  • When finished, they can use their fingers to scoop the beans off the sponge.

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: Beans are small and pose a risk. Always supervise your toddler closely and store materials safely after play.

The Feather Balance Path

The Feather Balance Path

Steps:

  • Use masking tape to make a long line on the floor.
  • Ask your child to stand at one end of the path.
  • Have them hold their hand out flat like a tray.
  • Place a soft feather on the back of their hand.
  • Challenge them to walk slowly along the line to the finish.
  • If the feather falls, just stop and put it back on!

Safety Tip:
Clear any toys near the tape path to prevent trips while your child is focusing.

The Paper Plate Balancing Act

The Paper Plate Balancing Act

Steps:

  • Place a paper plate on top of your child’s head.
  • Encourage them to stand still and find their balance.
  • Carefully set one paper cup on the center of the plate.
  • Ask your child to walk slowly across the room.
  • Challenge them to reach a target like a couch or chair.
  • Once they are steady, add a second cup to the stack!
  • See how many cups they can balance before the stack wobbles off.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the walking path is clear of toys or rugs that could cause a trip.

The Balancing Plate Bead Challenge

The Balancing Plate Bead Challenge

Steps:

  • Place the paper cup upside down on a flat table.
  • Use a small piece of masking tape to secure the cup to the table.
  • Carefully set the paper plate on top of the upside-down cup.
  • Give your child a small bowl of beads and a spoon.
  • Ask them to scoop one bead and place it on the plate.
  • Challenge them to add more beads without the plate falling off the cup!

Safety Tip:
Beads are a choking hazard. Always supervise your child. Keep all small materials away from younger siblings.

The Rainbow Hand Weaver

The Rainbow Hand Weaver

Steps:

  • Trace your child’s hand onto a sturdy piece of cardboard using a marker.
  • Use a hole puncher to make one hole at the tip of each finger and one at the wrist.
  • Tie a long piece of colorful yarn to the hole at the wrist.
  • Show your child how to thread the yarn through the thumb hole first.
  • Encourage them to weave the yarn back to the wrist and then up to the next finger.
  • Continue until every finger is connected to the wrist with a beautiful yarn bridge.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they are using a hole puncher or handling long pieces of yarn.