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.

Wet Sponge Kernel Rescue

Wet Sponge Kernel Rescue

Steps:

  • Pour water into the bowl. Drop the corn kernels onto the dry sponge. Soak the sponge fully in the water until it is heavy and saturated.
  • Use both hands to lift the sponge out of the bowl. Squeeze the sponge hard over the bowl, pressing out all the water and kernels. This is heavy work!
  • Once the sponge is damp (not dripping), place it flat on the table. The wet kernels should be sticking slightly to the surface.
  • Hold the sponge steady with your helper hand. Use the tongs to carefully pick up each wet corn kernel one by one.
  • Transfer the rescued kernels into the empty plastic container. Repeat the soaking and squeezing steps when the sponge gets too dry.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Dry corn kernels are small, hard objects. They pose a significant choking hazard for children under five. Ensure all materials are used only as intended and collected immediately after play.

Foil Sticker Pierce Track

Foil Sticker Pierce Track

Steps:

  • Secure a piece of cardboard firmly inside the bottom of the aluminum foil pan using masking tape. This adds stability.
  • Place 8 to 10 small stickers (like dot stickers) randomly onto the surface of the foil. Use your pincer grasp to peel them.
  • Hold the aluminum foil pan firmly steady with your non-dominant hand (the helper hand).
  • Pick up one craft stick. Hold the stick like a strong pencil in your dominant hand.
  • Aim the tip of the stick directly at a sticker target. Use a strong, controlled push to pierce the sticker and the foil completely.
  • Repeat this forceful piercing action until all the sticker targets have been smashed and pierced through.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Small stickers can be a choking hazard for children under five. Craft sticks are not sharp, but controlled pushing is necessary. Ensure the child pushes the stick away from their face and body.

Sticky Roller Texture Wall

Steps:

  • Tape a large piece of construction paper vertically onto a wall or sturdy door.
  • Use masking tape (sticky side OUT) to create a large shape or design on the paper.
  • Place the dry beans or corn kernels into the plastic container next to your child.
  • Encourage your child to pick up the beans one by one using a strong pincer grasp.
  • Firmly press the beans onto the exposed sticky tape until the design is completely covered.
  • Use the paper roll as a roller. Hold the roll tightly and press down hard onto the textured beans.
  • Roll the paper roll up and down, applying maximum force to press the items deeply into the sticky surface.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Dry beans and corn kernels are small, hard objects. They pose a significant choking hazard for children under five. Ensure all materials are used only as intended and collected immediately after play.

Foil Shape Sticker Sculptures

Foil Shape Sticker Sculptures

Steps:

  • Use masking tape to secure the construction paper vertically onto a wall or sturdy door at your child’s eye level.
  • Tear off small squares of aluminum foil. Encourage your child to use both hands to squeeze and crumple the foil intensely into dense, stiff, 3D shapes.
  • Use masking tape to anchor the stiff foil shapes firmly onto the vertical construction paper, creating a textured sculpture.
  • Peel the stickers or sequins using a precise pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger).
  • Aim the sticky item at the foil surface. Use a firm, controlled press to secure the sticker onto the stiff foil shape, feeling the heavy work input.
  • Continue peeling and pressing items until the foil sculpture is completely covered in colorful texture.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Sequins and small stickers are very small materials and pose a significant choking hazard for children under five. Ensure materials are used only as intended and collected immediately after play.

Resistant Cardboard Push Pucks

Resistant Cardboard Push Pucks

Steps:

  • Tear the cardboard into several small, jagged strips.
  • Fill the container halfway with water.
  • Soak the cardboard strips in the water completely until they are soft.
  • Squeeze and wring the wet strips hard to remove excess water. This is heavy work!
  • Squish the damp cardboard strips together into a firm, flat ‘puck.’ Press it onto the table.
  • Hold the cardboard puck steady with your helper hand.
  • Use a Q-Tip to aim and push a hole straight through the soft, resistant puck.
  • Repeat the pushing action until the entire cardboard puck is full of holes.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Q-Tips are small materials and pose a significant choking hazard for children under five. Ensure materials are kept away from the mouth, nose, and ears.