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.

Weighted Puck Push

Weighted Puck Push

Steps:

  • Prepare the ‘pucks’ by filling several small Ziplock Bags about 1/4 full with dry Beans or Rice. Seal them tightly.
  • Create a long ‘push stick’ by taping two Paper Rolls together end-to-end with Masking Tape to form a hockey stick.
  • Use Construction Paper and Masking Tape to create a goal on the floor about six feet away from the starting line.
  • Start in a half-kneeling position behind the pucks. Use the push stick to tap and guide one weighted puck at a time toward the goal.
  • Encourage the child to use the stick to sweep the pucks from their left side to their right side to practice Crossing Midline.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the playing area is clear of trip hazards. When using the long stick, remind the child to keep a safe distance from others and always supervise play.

Vertical Garden Push

Vertical Garden Push

Steps:

  • Set up the ‘garden’ by turning the bucket upside down on the floor or table. Take a large handful of Theraputty (or stiff playdough) and press it firmly onto the side of the bucket, making a thick, stable ‘garden bed.’
  • Show your child how to hold the craft stick using a three-finger grasp (or whatever grip is most comfortable). Explain that they need to ‘plant’ the sticks so they stand up tall.
  • Encourage your child to press the craft stick deeply into the putty with enough force to make it stick. Remind them to keep their elbow close to their side and push from the shoulder, keeping the wrist stable and slightly extended (bent backward) as they press.
  • Challenge them to fill the entire putty patch with as many colorful craft sticks as they can ‘plant’! To increase the challenge, use a smaller patch of putty to encourage more precision.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise children closely during fine motor activities. Ensure the bucket is stable and will not slide or tip over when the child applies pushing force. Encourage standing or kneeling rather than reaching across the body to promote better posture.

Pom-Pom Popper Target Game

A preschooler playing the pom-pom popper game, demonstrating bilateral hand use and aiming toward a bucket target. | Close-up on child's hands loading a pom-pom into a paper cup launcher, highlighting fine motor control and visual motor skills.

Steps:

  • Adult Step: Use scissors to cut the bottom out of the paper cup. Cut the knot end off the balloon, then stretch the balloon tightly over the open bottom of the cup and secure it.”
  • “Place a bucket, basket, or cardboard box about five feet away to act as your target.”
  • “Show your child how to load a pom-pom into the top (uncovered) end of the cup launcher.”
  • “Have your child hold the cup firmly with one hand, pull the balloon knot back with the other hand, aim at the target, and release the knot to launch the pom-pom!”
  • “Count how many pom-poms land inside the target for some added sequencing practice.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is needed, especially during setup involving scissors. If the balloon breaks, immediately collect all pieces as broken balloons are a significant choking risk.

Fuzzy Target Toss

Preschool girl practices crossing midline by peeling pom-poms off a velcro felt target taped to a kitchen cabinet door for shoulder strengthening.
Prepare your materials! Place a small circle of Velcro (the hook side is usually best) on the back of several pom-poms. Place the loop side of the Velcro on a large piece of Felt to create your target.

Use Masking Tape to secure the Felt target to a vertical surface, like a door or the side of a tall bookshelf.
Place the target high enough so your child has to reach up or slightly across their body to aim.
Have your child stand back a few feet and gently toss the pom-poms at the target. Cheer them on as they try to get the fuzzy items to stick!
After all the pom-poms are tossed, have your child practice peeling them off. Encourage them to use both hands—one to stabilize the felt, and the other to peel the pom-pom.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the target surface is stable. If your child is jumping or reaching high, spot them gently. Always supervise to ensure pom-poms are not placed in the mouth.

Strong Pull Chain

Strong Pull Chain

Steps:

  • Securely tie one end of a long, thick piece of yarn to the leg of a heavy box. This is your anchor point.
  • Sit the child on the floor 4 to 6 feet away from the anchored box. Stretch the yarn out straight.
  • Challenge the child to use both hands together to grasp the yarn and slowly pull the chain back toward their chest. Encourage a steady, controlled pull.
  • Once the slack is gone, ask the child to use alternating hand-over-hand movements to gather the remaining yarn into a neat pile or wrap it around a paper roll.
  • Repeat the activity. Try asking the child to switch to a kneeling position to challenge their core stability further.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required due to the use of yarn/string, which can be a strangulation hazard. Ensure the yarn length is appropriate for the space and monitor to prevent wrapping around the child’s neck or fingers. The box used as an anchor must be heavy and stable.