A new item out for Quinn is some pin poking work. I used a piece of cardboard to make a little wedge. The wedge shape is important (see photo below) so that they don't poke the pin through the cardboard and onto their lap or table. If you don't use the wedge shape, have them lay the cardboard on a folded towel or carpet. Or if you happen to have some corkboard, that'd be perfect, too!
Pin poking uses the pincer grasp, encourages very fine motor control in the fingers, wrist and arm, fosters hand-eye coordination, and encourages writing skills.
I usually offer letters for the child to "trace" by poking holes all around the line.
I first introduced this to Quinn by a shamrock outline, since we were talking about St. Patrick's Day.
It isn't necessary to have more than one pin, I just offer three to give some choice. I also teach that only one pin can be out at a time and they always have to return to their designated "home" that I have clearly marked at the top.
Younger children may just enjoy random poking on a sheet of construction paper (under supervision of course) or even consider providing them with a piece of paper with dots all over it and see if they can poke all the dots.
For older kids, don't outline anything, just give them a blank sheet and let them write words or create a picture.
Once the poking is done you of course have to tape the creation in a bright window so you can see the sunlight filtering in the holes!
I have also had great fun with older elementary students by using the cards to "poke" the star constellations onto black cardstock.
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