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.

Precision Button Drop

Precision Button Drop

Steps:

  • Fold a piece of construction paper in half (hotdog style) to create a stand-up ‘Postbox’. Glue the edges shut.
  • Use scissors to cut a short, narrow slit (about 1.5 inches long) in the middle of the ‘Postbox’.
  • Place a pile of assorted buttons on the table next to the postbox.
  • Use a strong pincer grasp (thumb and index finger) to pick up one button.
  • Hold the paper box steady with your helper hand. Push the button into the narrow slot.
  • Try to fill the entire ‘Postbox’ with buttons!

Safety Tip:
Ensure the buttons are large enough not to be inhaled or swallowed. Always closely supervise the child, especially when using small manipulative objects and sharp tools like scissors.

Sticky Straw Scoop

Sticky Straw Scoop

Steps:

  • Prepare the ‘scoop’ by taking a straw and securing a small loop of masking tape (sticky side facing out) onto one end.
  • Place a pile of pom-poms on the table and the empty Container next to the Construction Paper target.
  • Show the child how to hold the straw using their thumb and index finger (a strong pincer grasp), just like holding a miniature pencil.
  • Challenge the child to carefully touch the sticky straw tip to a pom-pom, lifting it when it sticks firmly.
  • The child then transfers the sticky pom-pom over the container and uses their non-dominant hand or fingertips to peel it off the straw and drop it in.
  • Continue this process until all the pom-poms are successfully moved from the starting pile into the container.

Safety Tip:
Always provide close adult supervision during this activity. Ensure the child understands that the small pom-poms and tape are not to be put in the mouth.

Pom-Pom Popper Target Game

A preschooler playing the pom-pom popper game, demonstrating bilateral hand use and aiming toward a bucket target. | Close-up on child's hands loading a pom-pom into a paper cup launcher, highlighting fine motor control and visual motor skills.

Steps:

  • Adult Step: Use scissors to cut the bottom out of the paper cup. Cut the knot end off the balloon, then stretch the balloon tightly over the open bottom of the cup and secure it.”
  • “Place a bucket, basket, or cardboard box about five feet away to act as your target.”
  • “Show your child how to load a pom-pom into the top (uncovered) end of the cup launcher.”
  • “Have your child hold the cup firmly with one hand, pull the balloon knot back with the other hand, aim at the target, and release the knot to launch the pom-pom!”
  • “Count how many pom-poms land inside the target for some added sequencing practice.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is needed, especially during setup involving scissors. If the balloon breaks, immediately collect all pieces as broken balloons are a significant choking risk.

Fuzzy Target Toss

Preschool girl practices crossing midline by peeling pom-poms off a velcro felt target taped to a kitchen cabinet door for shoulder strengthening.
Prepare your materials! Place a small circle of Velcro (the hook side is usually best) on the back of several pom-poms. Place the loop side of the Velcro on a large piece of Felt to create your target.

Use Masking Tape to secure the Felt target to a vertical surface, like a door or the side of a tall bookshelf.
Place the target high enough so your child has to reach up or slightly across their body to aim.
Have your child stand back a few feet and gently toss the pom-poms at the target. Cheer them on as they try to get the fuzzy items to stick!
After all the pom-poms are tossed, have your child practice peeling them off. Encourage them to use both hands—one to stabilize the felt, and the other to peel the pom-pom.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the target surface is stable. If your child is jumping or reaching high, spot them gently. Always supervise to ensure pom-poms are not placed in the mouth.

Sequin Push Maze

Sequin Push Maze

Steps:

  • Use a marker to draw a winding path or simple maze onto the foam sheet.
  • Place the foam sheet flat on the table. Ask your child to hold the sheet steady with their helper hand.
  • Put a small pile of colorful sequins at the starting point of the maze.
  • Challenge your child to pick up one sequin using a strong pincer grasp.
  • Switch grip: Use only the tip of their pointer finger to gently push the sequin along the drawn line to the finish.
  • The child must use steady pressure and friction to keep the sequin moving without flying off the foam.

Safety Tip:
Sequins are very small objects. Close adult supervision is required throughout the activity as they pose a significant choking hazard for children under five.