Sticky ball pull
Engage babies & toddlers with this low-prep fine motor challenge that helps build reach and grasp skills.
Perfect for babies & toddlers eager to explore, this is a super simple setup that encourages reaching, grasping, and lifting - great for tummy time!
Using ball pit balls (or lightweight toys) stuck to tape on a wall or wrapped around chair legs, your little one can practice coordination and strengthen their tiny fingers as they pull each ball free. It’s a fantastic way to keep them entertained while giving them a safe challenge to work on!
Setup requires only a few materials, and it’s easy to adjust based on your baby’s development. Position the balls at different heights to encourage various levels of reach. The sticky tape also adds a gentle resistance that helps boost their efforts.
Materials
Prep
Step 1:
Choose a secure surface, like a chair or low wall area.
Step 2:
Tear off pieces of tape and stick the balls to the surface at different heights and angles. Or if using a chair, wrap the tape around its two front legs.
Step 3:
Test the tape strength, ensuring it's strong enough to hold the balls, but not too hard for little hands to pull.
Play
Step 1:
Position baby near the taped balls.
Step 2:
Encourage them to reach out and pull the balls off the tape.
Extend
Texture Exploration: Mix in items with different textures like soft fabrics or spiky rubber balls for sensory play.
Counting Pulls: Count each pull-out loud as they lift each ball off, building familiarity with numbers.
Find the match: After each pull, hold up a ball and ask, "Where’s another one just like this?" Then encourage them to look for other balls in the same colour or size, adding an observational and matching element to the activity.
