Skill: Visual Motor

How the eyes and hands work together as a team. This is essential for tasks where movement is guided by vision, like catching a ball, cutting on a line, or staying within the lines when coloring.

The Styrofoam Star Map

The Styrofoam Star Map

Steps:

  • Grab a flat block of Styrofoam and set it on the table.
  • Use a marker to draw 8 small dots across the foam.
  • Ask your child to pick up a golf ball tee using their pinching fingers.
  • Have them push the pointy end of the tee straight into a dot.
  • Repeat this until all the stars have a pillar standing up.
  • Now, place a single bead on top of each golf ball tee.
  • Ask them to move slowly so the beads stay on the pillars.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Golf ball tees have pointed ends and beads are a choking hazard. Keep these materials away from small children and pets.

The Fuzzy Button Link

The Fuzzy Button Link

Steps:

  • Select several colorful pipe cleaners and a handful of large buttons.
  • Show your child how to thread a pipe cleaner through a button hole.
  • Ask them to pull it halfway and twist the end to secure it.
  • Have them thread the other end through a hole in another button.
  • Continue connecting buttons with pipe cleaners to form a long link chain.
  • Challenge your child to see how many links they can add to the chain!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play as buttons and pipe cleaners can be a choking hazard.

The Bubble Power Road Trip

The Bubble Power Road Trip

Steps:

  • Use masking tape to secure a sheet of bubble wrap to a wall at your child’s shoulder height.
  • Use a marker to draw a long, wiggly line from the bottom to the top of the bubble wrap.
  • Place a small stuffed animal at the start of the line.
  • Tell your child that the stuffed animal needs bubble power to move up the road.
  • Have your child pop one bubble on the line using their pointer finger.
  • Once the bubble pops, move the stuffed animal slightly forward along the path.
  • Continue popping bubbles one by one until the toy reaches the top of the road.
  • Try using the other hand to help the toy finish its journey!

Safety Tip:
Choking Hazard. This activity involves plastic wrap which can be torn into small pieces. Always supervise your child to ensure they do not put bubble wrap in their mouth. Ensure the wall tape is secure.

The Card Link Arch

The Card Link Arch

Steps:

  • Place the paper cup upside down on a flat table.
  • Pick up two index cards with your helper hand.
  • Slide a paper clip onto the edges to join the cards.
  • Repeat this to make a long chain of four or five cards.
  • Curve the cards over the cup to form a bridge.
  • Add extra clips to the bottom of the end cards for weight.
  • Slide the cup out slowly to see if the arch stays up.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the child remains seated at the table and uses only the craft materials.

The Woven Stick Bridge

The Woven Stick Bridge

Steps:

  • Cut a long, narrow rectangle from a piece of sturdy cardboard.
  • Glue several craft sticks across the rectangle, leaving small gaps.
  • Wait for the glue to dry until the sticks are very firm.
  • Tie a piece of colorful yarn to the first craft stick.
  • Weave the yarn over the first stick and under the second one.
  • Continue the pattern until you reach the end of the bridge.
  • Use markers to draw a scene with water under the bridge.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they use scissors or handle yarn.