We adore this fine motor activity bear rescue! What do you do when your preschooler loves lava as much as they love snacks? You make the fine motor bear rescue, of course! Hot lava seems to be everywhere. I find that it sneaks into the living room and enters the parking lot’s cracks. Lava and preschoolers seem to be this connection that unites them all. Welp. Apparently, it’s a thing, and I am determined to run with it to strengthen small hand muscles. Easy fine motor activities can be simple to set up and tons of fun, just like this activity!
RELATED: Fine motor activities help pencil grip! Learn why!
Fine motor activities need tongs and tweezers
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Now typically, we use these tongs.
However, funny stories about the ones shown in the picture.
It started with a quick trip to Bed Bath and Beyond with three children under five. You know, this is a lot like going to a toy store for parents. As my husband eyed up the waffle makers, the boys were memorized by these kitchen tongs. Makes sense. They can also be used as giant monsters that grab one another.
The trouble was that my 20-month-old found using it as a teether more exciting. So here we were, ready to check out with a very drooled-upon kitchen tong. Naturally, we had to purchase it, and naturally, it needed to be integrated into our fine motor play.
Sounds like a win for all.
RELATED: Looking for even more fine motor play? Here are 40+ terrific fine motor activities.
So here we are.
New kitchen tongs mean more fine motor play.
And more lava talk means the counting bears need to jump in and be saved.
The setup was so super simple.
Also, never underestimate the power of a Google search. You can find plenty of volcanos when you search “volcano drawings for kids.” Use these images as a guide!
Supplies
Counting Bears
Whoop! Whoop! Add this to the list of the top five as well. Again, I use these bears both in the classroom and at home. Sort them by color, separate them by size, or integrate them into imaginary play. WE LOVE THESE BEARS!
Helping Hands Fine Motor Tools
A pack of fine motor supplies in one place? Yes, please! This pack gives your child the option of using tweezers or squeeze tongs.
White Paper Roll
This paper is a staple in our home. Place it on the table or a verticle surface. So many uses!
Washable Markers
Share these markers with your kids, or keep them for yourself. I am not one to judge; I like my own pack too.
Let’s get this fine motor bear rescue set up!
- First, lay out your white paper roll. I like to use painter’s tape to hold it down. Use online images as a guide, and draw a volcano plus hot lava.
- Next, add your counting bears to your hot lava.
- Finally, offer your child the kitchen tongs and ask them to “Save the Bears!”
Remind your child that they cannot use their hands. – Because lava is super hot, of course. – such a simple and convincing buy-in. – Trust me! However, if they do use thier hands, remember that the pincer grasp is also a way to strengthen fingers.
Once my preschooler had collected all of the counting bears from the hot lava, we looked at the glass.
RELATED: Bring Home the Bears and Rainbow Writing with Bears
Conversation starters to extend
- How many bears do you think you saved?
- Do you think you saved more green or yellow? Let’s see!
- What would happen if you had more bears to save? Do you think they would fit into this glass? Let’s add a couple more to see.
Remember, keep your preschooler’s temperament in mind. You may notice that this begins as a Breakfast Invitation, and then the extension happens after their nap.
Remember that you planted a seed regardless of how it begins or ends. You offered an invitation to play that will go over into their independent thinking and playtime later.
When will you set up this fine motor activity?
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it’s like Mary Poppin’s bag – full of great ideas to inspire you and your kids with play!
You get an amazing bundle including:
- The Starter Guide to press restart on your days.
- 2 Sets of Activity Cards for activities when you need them.
- The WONDER Course: More Play, Less Stress for You and Your Child.
FAQ
Preschool should be a time to create and explore new ideas. We want our early learners to transport objects, discover color combinations, sort, classify, design, connect, and investigate new ideas. We can do this with hands-on preschool activities – NOT worksheets. Use these preschool activity cards with your child.
Fine motor skills are activities that involve small hand and wrist movements. It’s essential to use activities for fine motor skills in early learners to prepare their hands for tasks such as writing, zipping, shoe tying, coloring, and so much more.
Fine motor activities for toddlers and preschoolers are an excellent tool when learning how to write. Cutting, grasping, making lines, squeezing, and squirting are all great ways to improve hand strength.
