Ping Pong Ball Fine Motor Activity
This ping pong ball fine motor activity is fun way for toddlers and preschoolers to develop the fine motor skills needed for cutting paper and other life skills.
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A while back I wrote a post about our favorite preschool supplies and one of the top items on the list was this super cool fine motor tool set. We use the tools in this kit while doing many activities. A few weeks ago, we even used them in this fun alphabet water sensory bin.
My kids never tire using the tools. My preschooler gets frustrated with cutting exercises, but will happily use the scooper tongs in this set. So I create activities that utilize these tools and he gets some of the practice he needs! With this activity, my children were using the same small hand muscles needed for cutting to open and close the scooper.
Related Read: Ping Pong Ball Math Game
Setting Up the Fine Motor Activity
Supplies Needed:
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- Handy Scoopers or this fine motor tool set
- Ping pong balls (you can get a 8 pack at the dollar store for $1) (I also linked to a similarly priced set)
- Two medium/large bowls
- Just put the ping pong balls in one of the bowls and your good to go!
Related Read: Snowball Throw Alphabet Game (with ping pong balls)
Ping Pong Ball Fine Motor Activity
I showed my toddler how she could transfer the balls from one bowl to the other with the scooper. She was very happy to jump and start doing it herself. She did awesome and gave those small hand muscles lots of exercise.
After about 7-10 balls, her hand started to get tired from using the scooper, so she came up with other ways to pick up and transfer the balls. She would put one hand on each handle and open and close the scooper that way. Excellent problem solving skills, huh? Either way, she was developing fine motor skills and enjoying herself, so I was happy. She did switch back and forth between the two ways of transferring them.
My son just had to get on the action and he needs the fine motor practice – especially with the muscles used for cutting. So I turned it into a game for him. I set a timer for 1 minute and he tried to transfer as many balls as possible in that time. Then we counted how many he got in the bowl. We did this a few times for varying amounts of time. He loved the racing aspect of it!
Here are some more fine motor activities for your kids!
Monster Munch Fine Motor Activity