Reach – 2.8 – Add A Little

*Note to Parents/Teachers: While there is much talk about fine motor development and how critical these hand muscles are for writing, let’s not forget that strong shoulder and arm stabilizer muscles are also required for proper penmanship. This unit focuses particularly on strengthening the muscles needed for writing. (Read more here: https://www.theplaygroundcompany.co.uk/post/how-upper-body-strength-improves-children-s-handwriting-skills)

Muscle Moving

Reach to Draw

Supplies:

• Paper – a roll of paper or large white sheet of paper is preferred, but standard paper can work fine.
• Washable markers
• Easily removeable tape

Prep:

• Choose a window within reach of your child. (Alternatively use an easy-to-wipe-clean surface such as a mirror.)
• Tape a large piece of paper to the window so that the top of it is just above the reach of your child.

Time to Play:

•  Show your child the paper and explain that they can draw on the paper, but not on the window (though it will likely be drawn on a little).
• Hand your child the washable markers and have fun drawing together on the paper.

Brain Boosting

Clothespin Pinch

Supplies:

• Clothespins (can be basic wooden clothespins or plastic ones so long as they are not too stiff for your child to pinch)
• Things to attach the clothespins to. Consider:
  • Large mega blocks
  • Small cardboard boxes
  • Plastic baskets with minimal lip
  • Yogurt containers with minimal lip
• Optional: Wide ribbon (see Extend the Play)
• Op

Prep:

• Test ahead of time to ensure the clothespins can easily attach to the items you are using.
• Optional: Set up a clothesline (see Extend the Play).

Time to Play:

• Show your child how to pinch a clothespin to open it and then attach it to an item.
• Have fun attaching and removing the clothespins.

Extend the Play:

• Pause to count how many clothespins you can attach to one item.
• If you have various colours of clothespins, consider making a pattern with them.
• For children who have mastered how to use clothespins, increase the muscle strengthening by using two feet of wide ribbon to create a clothesline to attach the clothespins to. Position this clothesline just above shoulder height. Consider adding clean socks or small clothes to increase the fun.