Shoulder Strength - Page 11 of 12

Plate Cymbal March

Steps:

Gather two paper plates (one for each hand). Help your child practice using the hole puncher to create 4 to 6 holes around the edges of each plate. Remind them to hold the plate steady with one hand while punching with the other!
Take three pipe cleaners and twist them together tightly to create one thick, sturdy ‘handle’ for each plate.
Help your child thread the pipe cleaner handle through two opposing holes on the plate edge. Twist the ends of the pipe cleaner handle securely on the front of the plate so it won’t slip.
Once both plates have handles, encourage your child to march around the room, clapping the ‘cymbals’ together. Marching helps them integrate both sides of the body while providing great sensory input.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise children when using the hole puncher to prevent them from putting fingers inside the mechanism or attempting to punch clothes.

Sticky Wall Rescue

Preschool girl engaging in a bilateral fine motor and core strength activity, peeling crumpled tissue paper off masking tape adhered to a playroom wall.

Steps:

Prepare the sticky trap: Place 3-4 strips of masking tape vertically on a wall (ensure it is safe for tape removal!). Roll the ends of the tape to secure it to the wall, leaving the sticky side facing outwards.
Encourage your child to gently press small, crumbled pieces of tissue paper onto the exposed sticky side of the tape at different heights, stretching their reach.
Now it is ‘Rescue Time!’ Have your child use their fingers to peel and pull the tissue paper off the masking tape, using both hands as needed. The resistance of the sticky tape provides great heavy work input.

Safety Tip:
Always test the masking tape on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it won’t damage paint or wallpaper. Supervise closely to ensure your child doesn’t place tape or tissue paper near their face or mouth.

Giant Sponge Squish Art

Steps:

Tape a large sheet of Butcher Paper securely to the floor. Set up a paint station (a shallow bowl with Tempera Paint) just to one side of the paper.
Encourage your child to kneel or squat beside the paper, not directly over it. This position naturally encourages core engagement and balance.
Have your child dip a sponge into the paint. The challenge is to use two hands to press the sponge down firmly onto the paper, making a ‘squish’ sound and mark. Make sure they reach far across their body to stamp marks on the opposite side of the paper (crossing midline).
Vary the required force: Ask them to make ‘strong’ marks (heavy work input) and then ‘light’ marks to practice motor control.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the floor area is dry before beginning and supervise closely to prevent slips, especially when working with wet paint or sponges.

Sticky Web Art

Steps:

Select a clean, sturdy wall or door frame. Place a large piece of masking tape vertically to act as an anchor point.
Create a ‘sticky web’ or vertical canvas by attaching strips of masking tape across the anchored piece, ensuring the sticky side faces OUT toward the child.
Provide a bowl of pom-poms, crumbled tissue paper, and wiggle eyes. Encourage the child to peel and stick these items onto the sticky web. Challenge them to reach high and low to activate different muscle groups.
Discuss the textures and colors they are adding. This is a great way to work on bilateral coordination by having one hand stabilize the body while the other hand works to place the materials precisely.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise the activity. Ensure the floor area is clear, especially if your child is reaching up on their toes. When removing the tape, peel it off slowly and carefully to prevent paint damage.

Tacky Tape Puzzle Pull-Off

A preschooler uses fine motor skills and a pincer grasp to pull a pom-pom off tacky masking tape on a vertical surface, demonstrating the Tacky Tape Puzzle Pull-Off activity for improved shoulder stability and hand strength.

Steps:

Tape a piece of construction paper vertically to a door or wall using masking tape. This is your ‘puzzle board.’
Use small loops of masking tape to stick several pom-poms and stickers onto the construction paper. Make sure they are secure enough to stay put but loose enough to be pulled off with some effort.
Challenge your preschooler to ‘rescue’ the materials from the tacky tape! Encourage them to stand and use both hands—one hand to stabilize the paper and the other hand to pull the items off using a pincer grasp.
For an added challenge, hide small plastic animals or lightweight blocks under larger pieces of tape, requiring more effort and bilateral hand use to tear the tape away.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise vertical activities to ensure the child does not climb or lean heavily on the surface. Check that the masking tape used does not damage the wall or door finish upon removal.