Here's a quick, easy activity for hand strengthening that is sure to get a couple of laughs, too!
Skill Areas Addressed (See Glossary):
- Bilateral coordination
- Fine motor skills
- Grasp, and strength
What You Will Need:
- Rubber glove
- Water or milk
- Cup
- Flour (optional)
What To Do:
- Wash and rinse a rubber glove several times.
- Fill the glove with either water or milk (again, your preference). Tie the open end of the glove, so that it holds the liquid without spilling.
- Take a needle and prick the end of 1 finger of the rubber glove. Depending on the thickness of your gloves, you may need to stretch the hole with the needle in a circular motion to widen the hole.
- Now the fun can begin! Allow the child to grasp and squeeze the finger downward to simulate milking a cow. You can attempt to fill a small glass with the milk.
How To Change It Up:
- Try thickening the pretend "milk" with some flour, if it is coming out of the hole too fast. Make sure to do this in a cup prior to pouring into the glove.
- Hold the glove while the child squeezes, or if they can, encourage the child to use 2 hands for the activity.
Explore More Activites Like This!
Explore more activities to promote development in children, and check out our health center for children.
This content is provided in collaboration with The Inspired Treehouse and has been reviewed by the editorial board.
