Tin Foil Animal Rescue is a parent-favorite activity for keeping little ones occupied and focused.
Materials:
- Tin foil
- Small animal toys (use what interests your child most, whether it’s toy cars, dolls, or something else that will draw their curiosity into the activity)
Instructions:
- Start by cutting out your tin foil pieces. You will want to create pieces that are large enough to wrap an entire animal or figurine.
- Put your toy animal in the center of the tin foil and wrap the tin foil around it.
- Give the tin foil ball you made a squeeze. The tighter you squeeze it, the more difficult it will be for your child to get the animal out—so squeeze tighter for an older child with more advanced motor skills.
- Show your child how to get one of the animals out of its tin foil ball. When you reveal what’s inside, use your excited voice to interest them in the activity.
Skill areas addressed:
- Gross motor skills
- Concentration
- Language
Extensions & Adjustments:
- You can start this activity as early as 1 year old. While your child is still working on their fine motor and pincer grasp development, don’t make the balls too tight. You want them to be able to get the animal out—but make those little hands work for it. Sometimes if it’s too difficult it may discourage them from wanting to continue.
- As your child approaches three years old, you may want to make it a little more difficult. Start by using a larger piece of tin foil and making the balls a little tighter.
- You can also add a little lesson to this activity. Write the numbers 1-6 on the tin foil balls and give your child a die. Have them roll the die, count the dots and find a tin foil ball with the corresponding number.
Author: Chris Longo