OT Activity of the Day:
Homemade Sling Shot
Target Age Range: 3 and up
I saw this on Pinterest and wanted to make this ASAP. I've already used it a few times and it definitely works;). Here's what you'll need for 1 sling shot: 1 plastic cup, 1 balloon, scissors, and either a pom or a ping pong ball. First you cut off the bottom part of the cup as well a small top portion of the balloon. Then cover the cut portion of the cup with some sort of tape to protect your hands from the sharp, jagged edges (I used painters tape). After that you stretch the cut balloon out and over the top of the cup and you have a homemade sling shot!
This activity allows your child to use their hands together in a coordinated fashion in order to use the sling shot. Bilateral coordination is essential for appropriate scissor skills and writing and this is a great way to practice that skill set. Depending on how involved your child is in making the sling shot they will be working on fine motor manipulation and scissor skills as well. Decorate the cup with markers and add more fine motor work to the mix!
Enjoy!