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.

Sitting Balloon Soccer

Sitting Balloon Soccer

Steps:

  • Tape a large square on a clear wall to be the ‘soccer goal.’
  • Blow up a balloon and tie it securely for your child.
  • Have your child sit on a rug and lean back on their hands for support.
  • Challenge them to lift their feet and keep the balloon in the air.
  • Ask them to kick the balloon toward the masking tape goal.
  • See how many goals they can score in one minute!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play to prevent bumps or falls. Pick up broken balloon pieces immediately.

The Hanger Bead Elevator

The Hanger Bead Elevator

Steps:

  • Use your scissors to cut three pieces of yarn, each about twelve inches long.
  • Tie the top of each piece of yarn to the bottom bar of the hanger.
  • Slide one large bead onto the bottom of each piece of yarn.
  • Tie a big knot at the bottom of the yarn so the beads stay on.
  • Have your child use a clothespin to pinch the bead and the yarn together.
  • Challenge them to slide the clothespin and bead all the way up to the top!
  • Ask them to move the bead back down slowly without letting it drop.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during this activity as small beads are a choking hazard.

The Index Card Pincer-Flip

The Index Card Pincer-Flip

Steps:

  • Use your markers to draw a large dot on one side of ten index cards.
  • Place the cards on a table with the dots facing down.
  • Have your child use their thumb and index finger to flip one card at a time.
  • They should quickly name the color and place the card into the cup.
  • Challenge them to flip all the cards using only their non-dominant hand.
  • Try to beat a personal speed record to keep it exciting!

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is recommended. Ensure the child remains seated at the table to focus on the fine motor movements.

The Bubble Drop Precision Road

The Bubble Drop Precision Road

Steps:

  • Lay a small sheet of bubble wrap flat on a table with the bubbles facing up.
  • Fill a small plastic container with water and add two drops of food coloring.
  • Show your child how to squeeze the eyedropper to soak up the colorful water.
  • Challenge them to place exactly one drop of water on top of each individual bubble.
  • Once the road is full of drops, have them use a paper towel to gently blot and soak up the water.
  • Try again with a different color to see the jewels sparkle on the plastic!

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is recommended. Small drops of water can be slippery. Handle the eyedropper gently to avoid spills.

Floating Egg Carton Marble Scoop

Floating Egg Carton Marble Scoop

Steps:

  • Fill a large bowl halfway with water.
  • Place an empty egg carton inside the bowl so it floats.
  • Put a small pile of marbles on the table next to the bowl.
  • Have your child scoop a single marble using a spoon.
  • They must carry it and drop it into a specific egg cup.
  • Challenge them to fill all the cups without sinking the boat.
  • Try using the other hand to make it harder.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Marbles are a major choking hazard. Keep these materials away from children under 3 years old.