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.

The Button Cookie Spatula Flip

The Button Cookie Spatula Flip

Steps:

  • Help your child cut five medium circles from a piece of cardboard to make the cookies.
  • Glue three colorful buttons onto each cookie to look like chocolate chips.
  • Cut a long, thin rectangle from the cardboard to act as the spatula handle.
  • Tape a smaller square of cardboard to the end of the handle to finish the spatula.
  • Place the cookies button-side down on a flat table.
  • Challenge your child to slide the spatula under a cookie and flip it over into a nearby basket.
  • Ask them to use their other hand to hold the basket steady while they flip!

Safety Tip:
Buttons are a choking hazard. Always supervise your child and ensure all materials are stored safely after play.

The Palm-Flip Treasure Drop

The Palm-Flip Treasure Drop

Steps:

  • Use masking tape to secure a paper cup to the edge of a sturdy table.
  • Place a small pile of coins on the table next to the cup.
  • Ask your child to rest their forearm on the table with their palm facing down.
  • Place one coin on the back of their hand.
  • Encourage them to rotate their wrist until the palm faces up so the coin sits in their palm.
  • If they feel wobbly, have them use their other hand to help stabilize the arm.
  • Finally, use a pincer grasp to drop the coin into the cup!

Safety Tip:
Coins are a choking hazard. Always supervise your child. Do not let them put coins in their mouth.

The Spinning Ribbon Wand

The Spinning Ribbon Wand

Steps:

  • Cut three colorful ribbons into two-foot lengths.
  • Wrap the ends of the ribbons around the top of a craft stick.
  • Secure the ribbons tightly with a piece of masking tape.
  • Ask your child to hold the stick in their dominant hand.
  • Encourage them to twist their wrist to make the ribbons spiral.
  • Challenge them to draw big circles in the air with the wand.

Safety Tip:
Supervise your child at all times when using long ribbons to avoid entanglement. Keep scissors out of reach after the ribbons are cut.

The Paper Plate Steering Wheel

The Paper Plate Steering Wheel

Steps:

  • Draw a colorful dashboard and buttons on your paper plate with markers.
  • Apply a large dab of glue to the center of the plate’s back.
  • Press the cap of an empty plastic bottle firmly into the glue.
  • Allow the glue to dry completely so the wheel stays attached to the handle.
  • Place several blocks in a zigzag line on the floor to make a path.
  • Ask your child to hold the bottle and ‘drive’ through the block maze!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play to ensure they use the materials safely and do not put small blocks in their mouth.

The Styrofoam Star Map

The Styrofoam Star Map

Steps:

  • Grab a flat block of Styrofoam and set it on the table.
  • Use a marker to draw 8 small dots across the foam.
  • Ask your child to pick up a golf ball tee using their pinching fingers.
  • Have them push the pointy end of the tee straight into a dot.
  • Repeat this until all the stars have a pillar standing up.
  • Now, place a single bead on top of each golf ball tee.
  • Ask them to move slowly so the beads stay on the pillars.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Golf ball tees have pointed ends and beads are a choking hazard. Keep these materials away from small children and pets.