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.

Foil Comet Toss

Foil Comet Toss

Steps:

  • Tear a piece of aluminum foil off the roll. Use strong, bilateral hand movements to rip the resistant foil.
  • Use both hands and fingertips to crumple the foil into the smallest, tightest ball possible. This is your heavy ‘Comet.’
  • Repeat this process until you have 5 to 6 foil comets ready in your container.
  • The adult will use masking tape to hang the cardboard target from the ceiling or a doorway. Ensure it swings freely at the child’s chest level.
  • Challenge your child to stand still. Use the non-dominant hand to gently tap the cardboard, making it swing slowly.
  • Throw the foil comets one by one at the moving target. Practice grading the force of the throw to hit the center of the swinging target.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the aluminum foil is crumpled very tightly to eliminate any sharp, exposed edges. Supervise closely during throwing to ensure the child aims away from faces or breakable objects.

Styro-Dart Challenge

School-age boy aiming a pipe cleaner dart at a Styrofoam target to practice wrist extension, shoulder strength, and ocular control in a home playroom.

Steps:

  • Help your child draw a bullseye target on the Styrofoam block using markers. Assign different point values to the rings (e.g., 50 points for the center, 10 points for the outer ring).
  • Transform the pipe cleaners into ‘darts.’ Have your child fold one end into a small, easy-to-grip loop (the handle). Tightly curl the opposite end into a sharp spiral or point that will stick into the Styrofoam.
  • Set up the target using the cardboard as a stand/easel. Have your child stand 3 to 5 feet away. Emphasize holding the dart so their wrist is slightly bent back (extended) for better control before aiming.
  • Challenge your child to toss the pipe cleaner darts at the target, trying to grade their force (proprioception) so the dart sticks in without bouncing off. Keep track of points for a fun competition!

Safety Tip:
Ensure the children stand far enough apart if multiple children are playing. Supervise to ensure the pipe cleaner ‘darts’ are only thrown at the designated Styrofoam target and not toward faces or other objects.

Plate Cymbal March

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

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.