Proximal Stability - Page 2 of 27

Layered Cardboard Pin Weave

Steps:

Prep the surface by taping two Index Cards tightly together. Secure this layered card firmly onto a piece of Cardboard using Masking Tape.
Use a Marker to draw 8 to 10 small target dots across the layered card. Ensure the targets are spaced out.
Challenge your child to hold the cardboard base steady with their helper hand to stabilize the work area.
Pick up one Q-Tip using a strong pincer grasp. Aim the Q-Tip at a target dot.
Use a strong, controlled push to pierce the Q-Tip completely through the resistant layered cards and into the cardboard base. This takes effort!
Once all dots are pierced, gently remove the Q-Tips. Pick up a stiff Pipe Cleaner and thread it through the newly created holes to weave a colorful pattern.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Q-Tips and cut pipe cleaner pieces are small materials and pose a potential choking hazard for young children. Adults should manage the scissors for preparation.

Tight Band Tunnel Clip

Steps:

Adult Prep: Twist 4 to 5 pipe cleaners tightly into small, dense resistance loops. Use masking tape to secure the paper roll upright onto the center of the cardboard base.
Secure the loops by clipping them firmly onto the top edge of the paper roll using a few clothespins. Ensure the bands are taut and resistant.
Challenge your child to sit stably and hold the cardboard base firmly steady with their helper hand to stabilize the work.
Pick up a clothespin. Encourage a strong, full squeeze to open it wide.
Aim the open clothespin and clip it onto the paper roll, positioning it directly underneath one of the tight pipe cleaner bands. Feel the effort!
Repeat the squeezing and clipping until the entire visible surface of the paper roll is covered in colorful clothespins.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Pipe cleaners and clothespins are small objects and pose a significant choking hazard for children who still place objects in their mouths. Ensure materials are collected immediately after play.

Vertical Target Poke

Steps:

Secure a sturdy piece of Cardboard vertically onto a stable wall or door using Masking Tape. This sets up your vertical work surface.
Use a Marker to draw 10 small target dots randomly across the Cardboard surface where your child should aim.
Tape a piece of Foam Sheet firmly onto the back of the Cardboard, covering the target dot area. This provides resistance when pushing.
Encourage your child to pick up a Q-Tip using a neat pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger).
Ask them to aim the cotton tip of the Q-Tip at a marker dot.
Use a strong, controlled push to pierce the Cardboard and plant the Q-Tip deep into the resistant Foam backing. Feel the effort!
Repeat this heavy work until all target dots are successfully filled with Q-Tips.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Q-Tips are small materials and pose a potential choking hazard for children under five. Ensure the vertical board is secured firmly before beginning the activity.

Putty Spool Force Push

Steps:

Adult Prep: Press a large lump of stiff playdough firmly into the bottom of the container to create a stable base.
Adult Prep: Twist 5 to 6 short pieces of yarn tightly into small loops. Embed these yarn loops halfway into the surface of the playdough, ensuring they are resistant.
Ask your child to hold the container firmly steady with their helper hand to stabilize the base on the table.
Pick up one craft stick. Encourage a firm, three-finger or pincer grip on the stick.
Aim the stick at a resistant yarn loop embedded in the playdough base.
Use a strong, controlled push to drive the stick straight through the yarn and deep into the resistant playdough. Feel the effort!
Repeat this action until all the yarn loops have a stick pushed through them. Pull them out quickly for extra heavy work!

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Playdough, yarn, and craft sticks are small objects and pose a choking hazard for children who still place items in their mouths. Ensure materials are used only as intended.

Tight Coil Tunnel Twist

Steps:

Adult Prep: Cut an index card in half. Cover one half completely with aluminum foil, crimping the edges tightly underneath. Secure this foiled card flat onto a sturdy piece of cardboard using masking tape.
Use a marker tip or pen to poke 5-6 small starter holes into the foil surface. These holes should be slightly smaller than the pipe cleaners.
Encourage your child to twist the pipe cleaners tightly around their finger or a pencil to create small, dense, stiff coils. This builds hand strength!
Ask your child to hold the stable cardboard base firmly steady with their helper hand (proximal stability).
Pick up one finished coil with a strong pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger). Aim the coil at a starter hole.
Use a strong, continuous twisting motion (like screwing in a lightbulb) to turn the coil. Screw the stiff coil into and through the resistant foil and cardboard base until it is fully embedded. Repeat until all holes are filled.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Pipe cleaners are small materials and, especially when cut or tightly coiled, pose a choking hazard for children who still place objects in their mouths. Collect all pieces immediately after play.