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.

Newspaper Ring Launchers

Newspaper Ring Launchers

Steps:

  • Help your child roll a single sheet of newspaper diagonally into a tight, long tube.
  • Wrap masking tape around the top, middle, and bottom to keep the paper firm.
  • Cut a large circle out of the center of a cardboard piece for a target.
  • Use ribbon to hang the cardboard ring from a stable doorway or chair.
  • Mark a throw line on the floor with tape a few feet away.
  • Challenge your child to throw their newspaper tube through the center of the ring.
  • Move the line further back to make the game harder as they improve.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is recommended to ensure the child throws safely and the area is clear of breakable items.

The Space Station Balloon Squeeze

The Space Station Balloon Squeeze

Steps:

  • Blow up a balloon and tie it securely.
  • Place two large boxes on the floor about six inches apart.
  • Tell your child the balloon is a spaceship that needs to go through the narrow space station.
  • Ask them to push the balloon through the gap using only their elbows.
  • Once they succeed, move the boxes slightly closer together to make it harder.
  • Challenge them to push the balloon through using a slow-motion crawl.
  • Next, have them try to pull the balloon back through the gap using their feet!
  • This helps them learn how much pressure is needed to move the balloon.
  • Repeat the maze three times and cheer for every successful mission!

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is always required when playing with balloons. If a balloon pops, pick up the broken pieces immediately to keep your child safe.

The Blooming Paper Water Lily

The Blooming Paper Water Lily

Steps:

  • Fill your aluminium foil pan with one inch of water.
  • Draw a flower with several pointed petals on the construction paper.
  • Use your scissors to cut out the flower shape.
  • Fold each petal toward the center until the flower is closed.
  • Use a marker to draw a small heart in the center.
  • Place the folded flower gently onto the surface of the water.
  • Watch as the petals slowly open to reveal the secret heart!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during water play to ensure they stay safe and the floor stays dry.

The Pincer Slider Box Maze

The Pincer Slider Box Maze

Steps:

  • Take the lid off your shoe box.
  • Use markers to draw a path on the bottom.
  • Cut your straws into small and medium pieces.
  • Tape the straw pieces along the lines of your path.
  • These straw walls will create a maze.
  • Place one small button at the start of the maze.
  • Use your thumb and pointer finger to slide the button.
  • Carefully move the button through the straw tunnels to finish.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Small buttons are a choking hazard, so keep them away from younger siblings.

Floating Feather Fans

Floating Feather Fans

Steps:

  • Lay a long strip of butcher paper on the floor to make your landing runway.
  • Use masking tape to secure a basket at the very end of the paper.
  • Have your child lie on their tummy at the start of the runway.
  • Place a soft feather in front of them on the paper.
  • Hand your child a straw and ask them to blow air through it.
  • Challenge them to push the feather forward using only their breath.
  • If the feather gets stuck, give them a paper plate to use as a fan.
  • Encourage them to wave the plate to create wind and move the feather.
  • The goal is to get the feather all the way into the basket!
  • Repeat the race and see if they can do it faster each time.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child closely while they are lying on the floor. Ensure the room is clear of sharp corners or hard furniture. Keep straws away from eyes and mouth after use.