Proximal Stability - Page 9 of 47

The Cardboard Coin Slide

Steps:

Adult: Cut a long, narrow rectangle from your cardboard to make a ramp.
Use masking tape to attach a paper cup to a table edge as a goal.
Ask your child to hold the top of the ramp with their helper hand.
Encourage them to use their other hand to pinch a coin at the top.
Aim the bottom of the cardboard ramp toward the paper cup target.
Release the coin and watch it slide into the cup!
Move the cup to different spots to change the angle and challenge level.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child while playing with coins. Coins are a choking hazard. Ensure the cardboard edges are smooth to prevent scratches.

The Vertical Bead Zip-Line

Steps:

Tape a large piece of cardboard vertically onto a wall.
Cut the paper roll into three small rings using scissors.
Tape the rings onto the cardboard in a vertical zigzag pattern.
Thread a long piece of yarn through all three rings.
Tape the top and bottom of the yarn to the cardboard.
Slide one large bead onto the yarn before taping the bottom.
Give your child a pipe cleaner to use as a poker.
Ask them to push the bead up through each ring.
Use the helper hand to keep the cardboard steady.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the cardboard is taped securely to the wall to prevent it from falling during play.

Baking Cup Tightrope Balance

Steps:

Place two large, heavy boxes about two feet apart on the floor.
Use masking tape to secure a long piece of yarn between the two boxes.
Make sure the yarn is very taut and about six inches off the ground.
Give your child a stack of colorful paper baking cups.
Show them how to turn a cup upside down and rest the center on the yarn.
Challenge them to place five cups in a row without any of them tipping over!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child to ensure the yarn is used safely and boxes are stable.

The Newspaper Crane Challenge

Steps:

Help your child roll a large sheet of newspaper into a tight, long rod.
Use several pieces of masking tape to keep the paper rod from unrolling.
Tape a small box firmly to one end of the long newspaper rod.
Scatter several small blocks on the floor in front of your child.
Ask your child to hold the handle end of the rod with both hands.
Challenge them to reach out and use the box to scoop up one block.
Have them lift the block and carry it to a target box on the floor.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the play area is clear of sharp furniture while your child moves the long rod.

The Secret Ribbon Loop Tunnel

Steps:

Adult: Use scissors to cut a circular hole on each side of the shoe box.
Thread a long ribbon through both holes and tie the ends together to make a loop.
Ask your child to use their pincer grasp to place stickers on the ribbon.
Have your child hold the box steady with one hand to build strength.
Encourage them to pull the ribbon through the box using their other hand.
Challenge them to move the loop until the stickers pop out the other side!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when playing with long ribbons to prevent entanglement. Stickers are a potential choking hazard for young children.