The Georgia Early Learning Standards Activity Guides may - gapitc

Fine motor skills
Activities and Strategies
for Development
Water Table Fun
Collect several sponges of different sizes, shapes, and colors. Have enough
for each child to have a few of their own to avoid spreading germs.
Fill individual plastic dishpans with a small amount of water. Put towels
underneath.
Put plastic smocks on the children or go outside on a sunny day when clothing
will dry quickly.
Show the children how the dry sponge floats and then fills up with water.
Invite the children to pick up a sponge and ask them, “Where is the water?”
Show them how to squeeze the sponge over the tub and make the water
dribble out.
Put a few drops of liquid soap in the water.
Children can make bubbles by squeezing the soapy sponges!
Supervise closely to be sure the children keep sponges away from their faces
and mouths.
Tissue Tumble
Collect a variety of empty tissue boxes.
Set these boxes out on a carpeted area.
Invite a child to stack the boxes on top of each other.
When the child has stacked at least three boxes with your help, show how
to pull the bottom box away and watch the other boxes tumble.
Clap your hands and exclaim, “Oh, they all fell down! Can you fall down like
the boxes?”
Have the child pretend to “fall down” on the carpet.
Repeat the “stack and tumble” cycle as long as the child shows interest.
Special Needs Tips
Children who cannot stand on their own can “fall over” from a
sitting position. A child with limited movement can either push
the boxes over or help the teacher do so as the children “fall.”
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