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.

Resistant Rip Mural

Resistant Rip Mural

Steps:

  • Secure a large sheet of cardboard vertically onto a wall or door using masking tape.
  • Place several long strips of masking tape horizontally across the cardboard, sticky side OUT, creating several large, sticky ‘target zones’ or frames.
  • Give your child a large, flat piece of thick cardboard.
  • Challenge your child to use both hands to tear the thick cardboard into small, jagged pieces (this requires strong effort!).
  • Encourage them to pick up one torn piece and firmly press it onto the vertical sticky target, filling the frames to create a textured mural.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the vertical cardboard surface is stable and cannot fall or slide during the activity. Always supervise young children to ensure they do not attempt to ingest torn cardboard or masking tape pieces.

Felt Resistance Wall

Felt Resistance Wall

Steps:

  • Adult Prep: Cut a sturdy rectangle from the cardboard. Cut 5 to 6 narrow strips of felt, about 1 inch wide.
  • Help your child glue the felt strips vertically onto the cardboard. Leave a very narrow gap between each felt strip to create resistant channels.
  • Once the glue is completely dry, have your child hold the cardboard firmly with their helper hand to keep the wall steady.
  • Challenge your child to pick up a craft stick. Push the stick straight through one of the narrow felt channels. This requires controlled force.
  • Continue inserting all the sticks into the wall, working to keep the cardboard from tipping or moving during the push.
  • When finished, gently pull the sticks out (working those muscles again!) and repeat the building process.

Safety Tip:
Maintain constant adult supervision, especially during the preparation phase involving scissors and glue. Ensure the child pushes the sticks away from their face and body to prevent accidental poking.

Kernel Mosaic Cup

Kernel Mosaic Cup

Steps:

  • Decorate the outside of the paper cup with markers. Keep the design simple, like stripes or dots.
  • Pour a small amount of liquid glue or paste onto a piece of construction paper to create a gluing palette.
  • Use your helper hand to hold the cup steady. Dip your marker-drawn cup directly into the glue palette, covering a small section with adhesive.
  • Pick up one dry corn kernel at a time using only your thumb and pointer finger (pincer grasp).
  • Carefully place and press the kernel onto the glued section of the cup. Try to place the kernels close together like a mosaic.
  • Repeat steps 3 through 5 until the whole cup is covered in texture. Let your kernel mosaic dry completely!

Safety Tip:
Dry corn kernels are a small, hard choking hazard. Constant and direct adult supervision is mandatory for children under 5. Ensure all materials are collected immediately after play.

Stick Bridge Clip

Stick Bridge Clip

Steps:

  • Prep the “bridge” by using masking tape to secure 5 to 7 craft sticks in a row onto the underside of a sturdy, stable table (or a sturdy chair seat).
  • Place the pile of clothespins within easy reach on the floor beneath the table.
  • Challenge your child to lie on their back on the floor, directly under the table, facing the craft sticks. This is the starting position.
  • Encourage your child to reach up and squeeze open one clothespin at a time. They must aim carefully to clip the pin onto the ‘bridge’ (the craft stick).
  • Continue until every stick is covered in colorful clothespins. To repeat, they can clip them all off and start again!

Safety Tip:
Maintain constant adult supervision. Clothespins are small objects and pose a potential choking hazard for children who might still place items in their mouths. Ensure the table used is stable and cannot tip over during the activity.

Sticky Bean Rescue

Sticky Bean Rescue

Steps:

  • Take a handful of Theraputty and hide the dry beans deep inside it. Mash the putty into a firm ball.
  • Press the putty firmly into the bottom of the plastic container. This keeps the sticky base steady for the rescue mission.
  • Pick up the tongs. Use them to carefully grip one bean at a time and pull it straight out of the sticky putty.
  • Transfer the rescued beans into a separate pile on the table. Count how many beans you saved!
  • If a bean is too deep or stubborn, use a craft stick to gently loosen it from the putty before trying again with the tongs.

Safety Tip:
Beans and Theraputty are small objects. Maintain constant adult supervision during this activity, as these materials pose a choking hazard for children under five. Ensure the child washes hands after using the putty.