Bermuda Parent Bermuda Parent Spring 2020 | Page 14

Family LIFE
HOLD ON!
H
Get a Grip!
and strength is
imperative for
children to perform
many functional
skills. Climbing trees, swinging on
monkey bars, opening lunch contain-
ers, holding a crayon, putting on
socks, cutting with scissors and the list
goes on….
Today, you get to make your very
own “Tennis Ball Muncher”!
This easy make & take activity will
provide your child with a new toy that
not only is fun and versatile, but also
a wonderful device to develop the
muscles of their hands.
Get ready to make this hand
strengthening tool for your home
or classroom.
Materials:
•
•
•
•
•
Old tennis ball (If you need a
whole class set, contact one of the
local tennis clubs. They can let you
know when they have a box of old
balls to donate to you)
Sharp knife
Colourful sharpie markers
Small items (pennies, beads,
tiny legos…)
Zip-tie (if you want to have a
handle for your muncher
Steps:
1.
12
Ask an adult to cut a slit in the
side of your tennis ball. If you
can make it curved…then your
muncher will have a smile! The
width of the slit makes a differ-
ence. The wider the slit, the easier
it will be to squeeze it open.
BERMUDA PARENT MAGAZINE
BY JILL DAVIDSON,
OCCUPATIONAL
THERAPIST, FUNCTION
JUNCTION
2. Decorate your muncher with
the sharpies. Add eyes, lips,
hair…or write your name.
3. Now it’s time to play! Squeeze
to make him talk.