Muscle strengthening and joint stability

Any activity where the hands and arms are working against a resistance will build up strength and stability over time:

• any activity involving playdough - see Playdough advice sheet
• large scribbling with crayon over textured surface, using bending and straightening motions of the arm
• playing a drum or xylophone
• hammering with a hammer or mallet
• sawing with a saw
• scribbling or colouring over templates or other textured materials - this requires a lot of rubbing whilst holding a writing implement thus strengthening the muscles and developing two handed co-ordination
• stirring or kneading materials of a thick consistency, such as biscuit mixture or dough
• using one hand, crumple paper into a small ball and throw into a basket. Alternate hands and vary the size and thickness of the paper. Throw into a bin from a distance or flick into a goal
• popping bubble wrap
• poke marbles into a ball of clay/putty etc and dig out using thumb and index finger
• place a rubber band around the child’s fingers and encourage them to open and close their fingers
• activities that involve squeezing - for example squeeze bulb toys, spray bottles, squeezing water out of a sponge