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.

Balloon Haircut Day

Balloon Haircut Day

Steps:

  • Blow up a balloon and tie it securely.
  • Draw a funny face on the balloon using markers.
  • Cut several long pieces of yarn hair.
  • Tape the yarn hair to the top of the balloon.
  • Secure the balloon to a wall or door using masking tape at your child’s chest height.
  • Encourage your child to use safety scissors to trim the yarn hair.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child while they are using scissors. If the balloon pops, pick up the pieces immediately. Broken balloon pieces are a choking hazard.

Sticky Twig Nest Builder

Sticky Twig Nest Builder

Steps:

  • Wrap a piece of masking tape around the end of a small branch with the sticky side facing out.
  • Spread colorful feathers, yarn, and small pieces of construction paper on a table.
  • Help your child hold the branch firmly at the clean end.
  • Ask them to press the sticky end down onto the items to pick them up.
  • Once the twig is covered, they must use their fingers to peel the items off.
  • Place the rescued items into a plastic container to build a soft bird nest.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they handle small twigs or branches to prevent any pokes or scratches. Ensure the yarn pieces are short to avoid any tangling.

The Masking Tape Web Rescue

The Masking Tape Web Rescue

Steps:

  • Place a small stuffed animal inside a plastic basket.
  • Stretch several long strips of masking tape across the top of the basket in a web pattern.
  • Make sure the tape is pulled tight so it stays in place during the rescue.
  • Hand your child the safety scissors and show them where to start cutting the web.
  • Challenge them to cut through every tape strip until the opening is clear for the toy.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child while they are using scissors to ensure they stay safe. Ensure the basket is stable to prevent slipping.

The Sticky Maze Jewel Hunt

The Sticky Maze Jewel Hunt

Steps:

  • Place the cardboard on a stable table.
  • Use markers to draw a winding path from one end to the other.
  • Fold small strips of masking tape so the sticky side faces out.
  • Stick these tape loops along the edges of your drawn path.
  • Place several beads at different spots inside the path.
  • Give your child the tweezers to hold with their writing hand.
  • Challenge them to pick up each bead carefully.
  • They must lift the beads without touching the sticky walls.
  • Move the beads to a plastic container to win the game!

Safety Tip:
Constant adult supervision is required. Small beads are a choking hazard. Ensure the tweezers are used only for the activity.

Noodle Notch Shelf Build

Noodle Notch Shelf Build

Steps:

  • Use the scissors to cut a pool noodle into pieces about as long as a ruler.
  • Hold the noodle piece firmly with your non-cutting hand.
  • Snip three or four horizontal slits into the side of the foam.
  • Squeeze the handles together to make sure the scissors cut deep enough.
  • Slide a wooden craft stick halfway into each of the new slits.
  • Make sure the sticks are tight so they act like tiny shelves.
  • Use your thumb and pointer finger to pick up a soft pom-pom.
  • Carefully place the pom-pom onto the flat end of a craft stick.
  • See if you can fill all the shelves without any falling off!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they are using scissors. Ensure the pom-poms are not placed in the mouth as they can be a choking hazard.