Tricky Tape Time
Why play this way?
Perseverance, creativity, and so much stickiness! Each activity invites your little one to have a blast while simultaneously exercising their fine motor skills and engaging with unexpected materials. Plus, when they experience the frustration of being wrapped up in a snarl of tape, they will be challenged to slow down, dig deep, and, “just stick to it!”
SET THE STAGE FOR PLAY: 5 Minutes
Tape Trap Rescue
Prep:
- “Trap” some of your little one’s toy animals by wrapping them up in tape
Set the stage for play by saying:
- “Oh no! These animals are in trouble. Can you rescue your animal friends?”
Observe and support your little one as they persevere through challenges to free (and then play with) the animals.
During moments of frustration, encourage your child with language such as, “You are working so hard at something really tricky!”
PLAYTIME EXTENSIONS
1. Hide your taped-up animals, and invite your little one to find & rescue them!
2. Bring a bag of “stuck animals” on your next car ride, or out to dinner.
STICKY MITTENS
Wrap tape, sticky side out, all around your little one’s hand to create a “mitten.”
Invite them to walk around, and see what they can collect by pressing their sticky mitten to various items.
PLAYTIME EXTENSIONS
1. Tape up an elbow, foot, or knee and see how this sticky situation evolves.
2. Take this play outside and see what natural materials will stick to your mitten.
TAPE TARGET
Use tape to create a large square or circle on the floor.
Gather materials such as stuffed animals, balled-up socks, or a bag of beans.
Toss or roll each item into the tape target!
Playtime Extensions
1. Up the ante by using your tape to designate starting lines at various distances from the target.
2. Make tape targets on a wall and practice your aim in a new way.
