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 Cup Ring Connector

The Cup Ring Connector

Steps:

  • Use markers to draw three colorful dots around the rim of each paper cup.
  • Hold the cup steady with your helper hand while you use the hole puncher.
  • Squeeze the puncher hard to make a hole right on top of each marker dot.
  • Take a pipe cleaner and slide it through a hole in the first cup.
  • Slide the other end of the pipe cleaner into a hole in a second cup.
  • Twist the ends of the pipe cleaner together to lock the cups together!
  • Keep adding more cups and pipe cleaners to build a long, bendy cup train.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child while using a hole puncher to prevent finger pinches. Check pipe cleaner ends for sharpness before play.

The Clothespin Cliff Climber

The Clothespin Cliff Climber

Steps:

  • Place the shoe box on its side on a flat table.
  • Use masking tape to stick five index cards vertically along the side of the box.
  • Make sure the cards are spaced out like steps on a ladder.
  • Use markers to draw a small start flag on the bottom card and a finish flag on the top card.
  • Have your child use a clothespin to clip onto the bottom index card.
  • Challenge them to unclip and move the clothespin up to the next card without the box sliding.
  • Continue until the climber reaches the top flag!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during this activity to ensure they use the clothespins safely on the cards.

The Craft Stick Raft Challenge

The Craft Stick Raft Challenge

Steps:

  • Place four craft sticks side-by-side on the table.
  • Use two long strips of masking tape to stick them together into a flat raft.
  • Fill your aluminium foil pan halfway with cool water.
  • Carefully set your craft stick raft on top of the water so it floats.
  • Use your thumb and pointer finger to place one button at a time onto the raft.
  • Keep adding buttons until the raft begins to dip or sink into the water!

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Buttons and masking tape are small and can be a choking hazard.

The Nosey Ball Maze

The Nosey Ball Maze

Steps:

  • Use your masking tape to create a winding path on a smooth floor or rug.
  • Make sure the path has a clear start and finish line.
  • Have your child get down on their hands and knees at the start.
  • Place a small ball, like a ping pong ball, right in front of their face.
  • Challenge your child to push the ball through the maze using only their nose!
  • They must keep their hands on the floor to stay steady as they move.
  • Encourage them to stay inside the tape lines until they reach the end.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during floor play to ensure they do not bump their head on nearby furniture.

The Hanger Bead Elevator

The Hanger Bead Elevator

Steps:

  • Use your scissors to cut three pieces of yarn, each about twelve inches long.
  • Tie the top of each piece of yarn to the bottom bar of the hanger.
  • Slide one large bead onto the bottom of each piece of yarn.
  • Tie a big knot at the bottom of the yarn so the beads stay on.
  • Have your child use a clothespin to pinch the bead and the yarn together.
  • Challenge them to slide the clothespin and bead all the way up to the top!
  • Ask them to move the bead back down slowly without letting it drop.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during this activity as small beads are a choking hazard.