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 Vertical Sponge Trail

The Vertical Sponge Trail

Steps:

  • Secure a long piece of butcher paper vertically to a wall at your child’s shoulder height using masking tape.
  • Use a marker to draw a simple, winding path across the paper.
  • Place a bowl of water on a nearby table or the floor.
  • Ask your child to soak the sponge and squeeze it until it is damp.
  • Challenge them to trace the path by squeezing the sponge along the marker line to leave a wet trail.
  • Encourage them to keep their arm high as they follow the winding road.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is recommended. Ensure that the floor beneath the paper is kept dry to prevent slips or falls.

The Feather Wind-Trace

The Feather Wind-Trace

Steps:

  • Tape a long piece of butcher paper to the floor using masking tape.
  • Use a marker to draw a wide, winding path from one end to the other.
  • Place a soft pom-pom at the start of your windy path.
  • Give your child a feather and show them how to use it as a broom.
  • Challenge them to sweep the pom-pom all the way to the finish line.
  • Make sure they keep the pom-pom inside the lines as they move.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is recommended. Ensure the child stays in a stable kneeling or sitting position to prevent slipping on the paper.

The Ziplock Button Slide

The Ziplock Button Slide

Steps:

  • Use markers to draw three different colored circles on the front of a Ziplock bag.
  • Place buttons that match those colors inside the bag.
  • Add a small splash of water to the bag.
  • Seal the bag very tightly to prevent leaks.
  • Tape the bag flat onto a table using masking tape.
  • Ask your child to use their pointer finger to slide buttons into the matching circles.
  • Encourage them to move slowly to keep the buttons under their finger.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Buttons are a choking hazard. Ensure the bag is sealed and taped down firmly.

The Yarn Star Weaver

The Yarn Star Weaver

Steps:

  • Glue two craft sticks together in the shape of a cross.
  • Wait for the glue to dry so the sticks are sturdy.
  • Tie the end of your yarn to the center of the cross.
  • Wrap the yarn once around one stick, then move to the next.
  • Continue this wrapping pattern until the star reaches your desired size.
  • Use scissors to cut the yarn and tie a final knot to finish.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is recommended while using scissors and glue. Ensure the craft sticks are smooth to prevent any small splinters.

The Beaded Rainbow Branch

The Beaded Rainbow Branch

Steps:

  • Find a smooth branch outside.
  • Make sure it is sturdy but not too heavy.
  • Tie one end of the yarn to the base of the branch.
  • Ask your child to hold the branch steady with one hand.
  • Show your child how to wrap the yarn around the branch.
  • They should keep the yarn tight.
  • After a few wraps, slide a bead onto the yarn.
  • Continue wrapping the yarn over the bead to lock it in place.
  • Switch yarn colors to create a rainbow pattern.
  • Tie a knot at the end to finish your art.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is recommended. Small beads are a choking hazard. Keep materials away from small children and pets.