Skill: Upper Body Strength

Strong muscles in the arms, chest, and back help children with everyday tasks like carrying a backpack, climbing on the playground, or maintaining good posture while sitting at a desk.

Laundry Basket Sailboat

Laundry Basket Sailboat

Steps:

  • Place a large laundry basket on a smooth floor like wood or tile.
  • Have your child sit inside the basket with their legs tucked in comfortably.
  • Give them a long pool noodle to hold with both hands like an oar.
  • Show them how to push the noodle against the floor to move the basket.
  • Encourage them to alternate pushing on the left and then the right side.
  • Use masking tape to mark a start and finish line for the race.

Safety Tip:
Supervise your child to keep the basket from tipping. Make sure the floor is clear of toys that could trip them up.

The Brave Cardboard Shield

The Brave Cardboard Shield

Steps:

  • Use your scissors to cut a large, sturdy circle out of a piece of cardboard.
  • Let your child decorate the front of the shield using their favorite colorful markers.
  • An adult should poke two small holes near the center of the cardboard circle.
  • Thread a piece of ribbon through the holes and tie a knot to make a handle.
  • Have your child slide their arm through the ribbon handle and hold the shield tight.
  • Stand a few feet away and gently toss soft pom-poms toward the child.
  • Challenge your child to move the shield to block every single pom-pom!

Safety Tip:
Ensure the play area is clear of furniture to prevent falls while your child moves around to block the pom-poms.

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.

Heavy Roll Cotton Sweep

Heavy Roll Cotton Sweep

Steps:

  • Adult: Fill an empty paper roll halfway with dry rice.
  • Use several layers of masking tape to seal the ends.
  • Child: Stand up and hold the roll with both hands.
  • Place a few cotton balls on a smooth floor.
  • Use the heavy roll to push the balls toward the basket.
  • Try to keep the roll straight so the balls don’t escape.
  • Reach the basket to win the game!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your toddler during play. Small rice grains are a choking hazard. Ensure the tape is very secure.

The Newspaper Crane Challenge

The Newspaper Crane Challenge

Steps:

  • Help your child roll a large sheet of newspaper into a tight, long rod.
  • Use several pieces of masking tape to keep the paper rod from unrolling.
  • Tape a small box firmly to one end of the long newspaper rod.
  • Scatter several small blocks on the floor in front of your child.
  • Ask your child to hold the handle end of the rod with both hands.
  • Challenge them to reach out and use the box to scoop up one block.
  • Have them lift the block and carry it to a target box on the floor.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the play area is clear of sharp furniture while your child moves the long rod.