Physical Development and Health (Fine-Motor Skills)
An activity for preschoolers
Materials
-duct tape -pom-poms -straws
Modifiers/Scaffold
For an easier challenge: -Make the track small and straight
For most children: -Make the track longer -Have the children try to stay on the line
For a trickier challenge: -Include zig-zags and squiggly lines in the track -Have the children stay on the line
Follow-up Ideas
-If you give the students paper, pencils, and clipboards, they can keep track of everyone's times by writing down how many seconds it takes them to complete the entire track.
-If your children are young or are really struggling with this challenge, have them start by using a turkey baster to get the pom-pom down the track.
Originating Idea
My students love racing their cars around on the race-track rug, so I thought this would be a great way to not only work on their fine-motor skills and dexterity, but to incorporate their love of racing to a fun activity.
How to Make It
You take the duct tape and make several "tracks" on the carpet with it. Then, you place the straws and pom-poms on a table near the tracks.
How to Implement It
During circle time, tell the children, "Today we are going to have the great pom-pom race! Does everyone see the track I made on the ground?" Point to the track, and let the children look at it. Then say, "We are going to take a straw and blow a pom-pom down this track. Watch me!" Then, demonstrate how to blow a pom-pom down the track. After this, ask if there are any questions before lining them up. Give everyone a straw and a pom-pom. Then, get out your stopwatch, announce, "Ready, set, go!" and watch the children race!
Most students will be able to blow the pom-poms down the tracks within a minute. Earlier students will struggle to stay on track and may take more time, while later students will accomplish this task (setting up the different tracks with the different modifiers will ensure that the races are fair and that everyone will have a good time).
Once everyone has had a turn with the race, announce that it is time for free choice. The children can choose to stay and continue to play with the great pom-pom race, or choose another activity to play with.