Skill: Wrist Extension

Holding the wrist bent slightly back, like when making a ‘stop’ sign. This position stabilizes the hand so the fingers are free to move efficiently for writing or holding small objects.

Sensory Squeeze Lines

Sensory Squeeze Lines

Steps:

  • Mix Tempera Paint and a tablespoon of dry Rice in a bowl. Use a Spoon to stir until it is a thick, chunky paste that offers some resistance.
  • Scoop the paint mixture into the bottom corner of a Ziplock Bag. Squeeze all the excess air out and seal the top of the bag tightly.
  • Place the Construction Paper onto the Cardboard for a firm surface. Use scissors to snip a tiny corner off the Ziplock Bag (this creates the nozzle).
  • Have your child use their non-dominant hand to hold the top of the bag steady. This provides proximal stability for the working hand.
  • Encourage them to use their dominant hand to squeeze the bag firmly, pushing the paint out. Challenge them to control the squeeze to make textured lines and shapes.

Safety Tip:
Use non-toxic tempera paint and supervise closely. Due to the small size of the rice grains and the snipped Ziplock bag pieces, constant adult supervision is necessary to prevent choking or ingestion.

Sticky Shape Press

Sticky Shape Press

Steps:

  • Use a marker to draw a large, simple shape (like a heart or square) onto the construction paper.
  • Tear a long strip of masking tape. Encourage your child to tear the tape into many small, postage stamp-sized pieces.
  • Challenge the child to use a precise pincer grasp to fill the drawn shape completely with the small tape pieces.
  • Pick up the craft stick. Show the child how to hold it like a pencil, keeping the wrist slightly bent backward (extended).
  • Use the craft stick to rub and press down firmly over every piece of tape. Applying strong pressure provides excellent heavy work for their hands.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Ensure the child understands the materials are only for crafting and not for placing in the mouth.

Foil Drip Maze

Foil Drip Maze

Steps:

  • Prepare the maze surface: Cover a flat piece of cardboard entirely with aluminum foil, crimping the edges up slightly to create a sturdy, shallow tray (this is your waterproof maze board).
  • Use markers to draw a simple maze or a winding path on the foil surface. Draw a start circle and a finish circle for the water drop to travel between.
  • Mix a small amount of water with food coloring in a container. Demonstrate how to load the eyedropper by squeezing the bulb using a neat pincer grasp (thumb and index finger) and drawing up the colored water.
  • Challenge your child to hold the eyedropper over the start circle and release a single drop. Then, they must carefully angle the tray (bilateral hands) and/or use the eyedropper to push the drop along the marker-drawn path to the finish line, practicing fine control and precision.

Safety Tip:
Ensure close supervision as small objects (like eyedropper parts) and colored water are used. Always supervise to prevent ingestion of materials.

Clip Straightener Stack

Clip Straightener Stack

Steps:

  • Secure the paper plate on the table. Use your child’s helper hand to stabilize it. Roll the playdough into a long log shape and press it firmly onto the plate to create a resistant base.
  • Pick up one paper clip. Encourage your child to use both hands together to pull and bend the paper clip until it is completely straight. This requires concentration and effort.
  • Using a precise pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger), push the sharp end of the straightened wire deep into the resistant playdough roll. Continue this process until the plate is full of straight wire posts.

Safety Tip:
Paper clips can become sharp once straightened. Adults must supervise closely to ensure the wires are only used in the playdough and not near the face. Monitor for choking if the child mouths small pieces of playdough.

Vertical Tape Relief

Vertical Tape Relief

Steps:

  • Secure a flat piece of cardboard vertically onto a wall or door at your child’s eye level. Use extra masking tape to anchor it.
  • Use markers to draw a simple picture or design, like a big tree or an animal shape, on the cardboard.
  • Give the child long strips of masking tape. Encourage them to tear the tape into many small, 1-inch squares.
  • The child should use both hands for tearing. Drop the finished small pieces into the plastic container.
  • Pick up one small tape piece using only the thumb and pointer finger (pincer control).
  • Challenge your child to press the sticky side of the tape piece firmly onto the drawn shape. Strong, controlled pressure is needed.
  • Continue layering the tape pieces until the entire drawing is covered, creating a textured relief artwork. Add stickers for eyes or details.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Ensure the vertical cardboard is secured firmly to prevent it from falling. Always monitor children to ensure they do not attempt to place torn tape pieces in their mouths.