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.

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.

Foil Pan Table Skater

Foil Pan Table Skater

Steps:

  • Use masking tape to create a winding track on a table.
  • Use markers to draw arrows on the tape to show the way.
  • Place two sponges inside the aluminium foil pan for hand cushions.
  • Have your child stand and place one hand on each sponge.
  • Ask them to slide the pan along the tape path.
  • They should follow the curves without lifting the pan.
  • Encourage them to reach far to the left and right.

Safety Tip:
Make sure the table is at a comfortable height for your child to lean on safely.

The Heavy Cargo Foot Push

The Heavy Cargo Foot Push

Steps:

  • Place a large cardboard box on a smooth floor surface like wood or tile.
  • Ask your toddler to help fill the box with their favorite stuffed animals.
  • Have your child sit on the floor with their back against a sturdy wall or couch.
  • Place the weighted box directly in front of their feet.
  • Encourage them to bend their knees and push the box away using both feet.
  • See how far the cargo can go with one big push!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Ensure the floor is clear of any small objects that could be a trip hazard. Check the stuffed animals for small buttons or eyes that could be a choking hazard if they become loose.

Foam Fortress Pull-Apart

Foam Fortress Pull-Apart

Steps:

  • Use markers to draw simple shapes onto the foam sheets. Shapes like squares and rectangles work best for building.
  • Ask an adult to use scissors to cut the foam shapes out. Cut the craft sticks in half if needed.
  • Hold two foam pieces together so the edges align. Use a marker to dot the spot where you want to connect them.
  • Take one craft stick. Use strong finger force to push the stick straight through the marked spot, connecting the two foam pieces tightly.
  • Continue connecting pieces until you build a large structure, like a wall or a tower.
  • Now for the heavy work! Challenge your child to grab the structure with both hands. Use a strong, steady pull to separate the connected foam pieces, one stick at a time.
  • Collect all the sticks and foam pieces to build an even bigger structure next time.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Craft sticks are small objects and pose a potential choking hazard for young children. Adults must handle the scissors during preparation.

Felt Tunnel Push

Felt Tunnel Push

Steps:

  • Adult Prep: Cut a strip of felt. Glue it tightly around a short paper roll. Secure the roll standing vertically onto the cardboard base.
  • Place a pom-pom just inside the top opening of the felt tunnel. Hold the cardboard base steady with your helper hand.
  • Pick up a craft stick. Aim the stick straight down at the pom-pom.
  • Use a strong, controlled push to drive the stick down. Force the pom-pom all the way through the resistant felt tunnel.
  • The pom-pom should pop out the bottom onto the table. Repeat this process until all the pom-poms are pushed through.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Pom-poms are small objects and pose a choking hazard for young children. Adults should handle the scissors during preparation.