Skill: Shoulder Strength

Stability in the upper arms and shoulders allows the hands to do delicate work. Strong shoulders help kids write or draw for longer periods without getting tired.

Buggy Rope Slide

Buggy Rope Slide

Steps:

  • Securely tape one end of the rope to the top of a stable doorway.
  • Let the other end of the rope hang down to the floor.
  • Use markers to draw small, silly bugs on the index cards.
  • Help your child slide a paper clip onto the edge of each card.
  • Place all the bug cards into a basket near the rope.
  • Ask your child to clip one bug onto the very bottom of the rope.
  • Challenge them to use both hands to slide the bug card all the way to the top!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play to ensure the rope is used safely and does not become tangled.

Newspaper Ring Launchers

Newspaper Ring Launchers

Steps:

  • Help your child roll a single sheet of newspaper diagonally into a tight, long tube.
  • Wrap masking tape around the top, middle, and bottom to keep the paper firm.
  • Cut a large circle out of the center of a cardboard piece for a target.
  • Use ribbon to hang the cardboard ring from a stable doorway or chair.
  • Mark a throw line on the floor with tape a few feet away.
  • Challenge your child to throw their newspaper tube through the center of the ring.
  • Move the line further back to make the game harder as they improve.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is recommended to ensure the child throws safely and the area is clear of breakable items.

Floating Feather Fans

Floating Feather Fans

Steps:

  • Lay a long strip of butcher paper on the floor to make your landing runway.
  • Use masking tape to secure a basket at the very end of the paper.
  • Have your child lie on their tummy at the start of the runway.
  • Place a soft feather in front of them on the paper.
  • Hand your child a straw and ask them to blow air through it.
  • Challenge them to push the feather forward using only their breath.
  • If the feather gets stuck, give them a paper plate to use as a fan.
  • Encourage them to wave the plate to create wind and move the feather.
  • The goal is to get the feather all the way into the basket!
  • Repeat the race and see if they can do it faster each time.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child closely while they are lying on the floor. Ensure the room is clear of sharp corners or hard furniture. Keep straws away from eyes and mouth after use.

The Growing Newspaper Tree

The Growing Newspaper Tree

Steps:

  • Take two large sheets of newspaper and lay them flat on the floor.
  • Overlap the edges slightly and use a piece of masking tape to hold them together.
  • Start at one end and roll the newspaper up into a very long, tight tube.
  • Wrap another piece of tape around the bottom of the tube to keep it from unrolling.
  • Hold the tube steady with one hand and use your scissors to cut four long slits from the top down to the middle.
  • Reach into the center of the tube and gently pull the paper upward.
  • Watch as your tree grows taller and taller as you pull the strips out!
  • Use your hands to fluff out the paper branches to finish your tree.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child while they are using scissors to keep them safe.

The Pool Noodle Steamroller

The Pool Noodle Steamroller

Steps:

  • Use masking tape to mark a start and finish line on a soft rug.
  • Place several stuffed animals in a row between the two lines.
  • Give your toddler a long pool noodle to hold with both hands.
  • Encourage them to roll the noodle over the toys while crawling.
  • Have them push down hard to steamroll each fluffy friend.
  • Put the toys in a basket once they reach the finish line.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play to ensure they stay safe. Pool noodles can be a choking hazard if small pieces are swallowed.