Skill: Sequencing

Putting steps in the right order to complete a task. This helps your child understand that they need to put on socks before shoes or wet the toothbrush before adding paste.

The Balancing Button Pendulum

The Balancing Button Pendulum

Steps:

  • Tape one end of the string to the top of a doorway.
  • Use the hole puncher to make two holes in the paper cup.
  • Tie the other end of the string through the holes to hang the cup.
  • Place five buttons inside the cup to give it a little weight.
  • Set up three cardboard strips as pins on the floor nearby.
  • Pull the cup back and release it to knock the pins down.
  • Try to keep the buttons inside the cup during the swing!

Safety Tip:
Ensure the doorway is clear of traffic and the string is not left unattended to prevent tripping.

Beaded Joint Dancer

Beaded Joint Dancer

Steps:

  • Draw a person or animal on construction paper with markers.
  • Cut out the head, body, and limbs as separate pieces.
  • Use a hole puncher to make a hole at each limb joint.
  • Punch matching holes on the shoulders and hips of the body.
  • Thread a piece of yarn through the holes to join pieces.
  • Tie the yarn loosely so the dancer can move its limbs.
  • Slide beads onto the yarn ends to add color and weight.
  • Use masking tape to hang your dancer on a door.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they use a hole puncher to prevent finger pinches. Keep small beads away from younger siblings to avoid choking.

The Winding Rope Balance Walk

The Winding Rope Balance Walk

Steps:

  • Place the rope on the floor in a long, winding S shape.
  • Use masking tape to secure the rope at both ends so it doesn’t slide.
  • Put a step stool in the middle of the rope’s path.
  • Ask your child to walk slowly on top of the rope, keeping their feet on the line.
  • When they reach the step stool, they must step up and down without falling off the rope path.
  • Challenge them to walk the path backward for extra fun!

Safety Tip:
Ensure your child is wearing non-slip socks or has bare feet to prevent slipping. Keep the area clear of hard furniture while they are practicing.

Tight Weave Screw Frame

Tight Weave Screw Frame

Steps:

  • Use the Markers to draw a sturdy frame or square onto the Cardboard. Use the Scissors to cut this frame out (parent assistance may be needed).
  • Take the Index Cards and cut them into long, colorful strips for weaving. Draw a simple pattern on them using markers.
  • Glue the beginning of each strip to the back of the Cardboard frame. Weave the strips tightly across the frame, then secure the ends with Glue on the back.
  • Using the Hole Puncher, squeeze hard to punch 4 holes straight through the woven layers and the Cardboard frame. This requires strong effort!
  • Stabilize the frame with your helper hand. Push a Bolt straight through one of the tight, punched holes.
  • Pick up a Nut with a precise Pincer Grasp. Twist the Nut firmly onto the Bolt until the woven strips are compressed tightly. Repeat until all holes are secured.

Safety Tip:
Constant adult supervision is required when using scissors. Ensure the child handles the nuts and bolts appropriately, keeping them away from the mouth, nose, and ears.

Spiral Twist Core Threading

Spiral Twist Core Threading

Steps:

  • Adult Step: Secure the paper roll horizontally onto the cardboard base using strong masking tape. This creates a stable ‘dowel’ for twisting.
  • Use the markers to draw colorful stripes or dots onto several index cards. Cut the decorated cards into long, narrow strips (about 1/2 inch wide).
  • Take one paper strip. Use your fingertips to curl and twist the strip tightly around itself to create a stiff, narrow spiral shape.
  • Secure the end of the paper spiral with a small amount of glue to keep the resistant shape from unrolling. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to make a pile of colorful spirals.
  • Hold the cardboard base firmly steady with your non-dominant hand. Pick up a paper spiral with your working hand.
  • Aim the spiral at the paper roll. Use a continuous twisting motion (like screwing in a lightbulb) to thread the spiral onto the roll, pushing it along the core.
  • Continue twisting and pushing the colorful spirals until the entire paper roll is covered in dense, textured art. Then, try unwinding them!

Safety Tip:
Constant adult supervision is required. Adults should manage the scissors for preparation. Ensure the child remains seated stably to focus on the fine motor movements and to prevent the board from tipping.