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The other day my husband was on his way to town and just as he was about to walk out the door our 19 month old decided that now was the time to be with daddy, he gave her a quick kiss and rushed off to the waiting taxi. She was rather upset she couldn’t go with.
She didn’t want snuggles from me so my next idea was to distract her!
Really Quick Fine Motor Play
I grabbed a few pipe cleaners and cut some straws and put them into the flower bowl she likes. She quickly calmed down to inspect this new distraction.
Not only does this activity promote fine motor skills but also hand eye co-ordination. She missed the pipe cleaner end a few times so this activity is definitely a good one to bring out a few more times for practice.
The straws in the bowl also got a sensory feeling and they made a nice sound has she moved her finger about in them.
My 4 year old also come to inspect the threading that was going on and joined in. Last year we threaded beads on pipe cleaners.
A really quick fine motor practice and occupying activity indeed!
Looking for more fab fine motor skills? Check out what my co-hosts have been up to this week.
- Fine Motor Color Matching Bunny Tails from School Time Snippets
- Easter Egg Fine Motor Fun with Pompoms from Craftulate
- Leprechaun Bait from Still Playing School
- St Patricks Day Finger Grasps Fine Motor Sensory Play from Little Bins for Little Hands
- Ice Pick-Up & Pour from Stir the Wonder
- Giant Guitar DIY Fidget Ring for Kids from Lalymom
This idea isn’t JUST for 1 year olds!
There are 40 more activities in the book and ALL include an activity variation AND “As They Grow” section, making this a Grow-With-Them book. Activities are suited to 1, 2, 3 and even 4 year olds!
Ebook (pdf on your computer), Kindle, Print Book
Amber Dover says
Thank you for all the ideas!
Karen says
Thank you for the wonderful fine motor ideas.
Nicolette Roux says
you are welcome!
Tiffiny says
These look simple but fun! I’m pinning to my busy bag idea board.
Kristina @ School Time Snippets says
Quick thinking, mama!
We’ve enjoyed this activity, too : ) Always nice to have easy to do activities on hand.
Christy Garrett @ Uplifting Families says
This looks like so much fun. You could even use pasta to make necklaces too.
Sarah says
Awesome, use what you have, quick and simple is right!