Wrist Extension

The Cardboard Key Turn Challenge

Steps:

Find an empty shoe box and use your markers to draw a small keyhole circle on one side.
Help your child use the scissors to cut a narrow slit right through the center of that circle.
Open the box and press a large lump of playdough firmly against the inside wall behind the hole.
Close the lid and use your markers to decorate a craft stick to look like a colorful magic key.
Ask your child to hold the box steady with one hand while they aim the key into the hole.
Challenge them to push the stick into the playdough and twist it back and forth like a key!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they are using scissors to cut the cardboard. Make sure the playdough stays inside the box and is not put in the mouth.

The Golf Tee Nail Salon

Steps:

Place the Styrofoam block flat on a table.
Use colorful markers to color the flat, round top of each golf ball tee.
Explain to your child that these tees are fingers getting a manicure.
Ask your child to hold a tee tightly with their pinching fingers.
Use the other hand to hold the Styrofoam block steady.
Push the pointed end of the tee straight down into the Styrofoam.
Line up five tees in a row to create a hand.
Carefully place a small sticker on top of each colored tee to finish the style!

Safety Tip:
Golf tees have pointed ends. Always supervise your child during play to prevent accidental pokes or swallowing of small stickers.

The Pencil Power Reel

Steps:

Cut a piece of string about three feet long.
Tape one end of the string to the pencil.
Tape the other end inside a paper cup.
Fill the cup with beans for weight.
Hold the pencil with both hands.
Extend arms straight out in front.
Twist the pencil to wind the string.
Watch the cup lift toward the pencil.
Twist backward to lower the cup safely.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the cup is not too heavy to prevent wrist strain.

Under-Table Starry Night

Steps:

Draw many colorful dots across a flat piece of cardboard using your markers.
Use a pen to poke a small hole through the center of every dot.
Find a stable low table and tape the cardboard to the underside with masking tape.
Help your child lie down on their back underneath the table.
Hand them a pile of Q-tips to hold in their helper hand.
Challenge them to push a Q-tip into every star hole they see above.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the table is stable and the area is clear of hard objects. Always supervise your child while they are lying under the furniture.

The Button Anchor Wind-Up

Steps:

Fill an empty milk container halfway with dry rice to make it heavy.
Tape the cap shut securely so the rice stays inside.
Cut a long piece of yarn, about three feet long.
Tape one end of the yarn to the bottom of the milk container.
Hand your child a button and show them how to thread the yarn through it.
Have your child hold the jug steady with one hand while winding the yarn once around the container.
Thread another button and wind the yarn again.
Continue until all the buttons are anchored onto the jug!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play as buttons and dry rice are choking hazards. Ensure the jug is on a stable surface to prevent it from falling on little toes.