Foundation Skills Through Play
•Nursery
•Fine Motor Skills
•Create 'pond' boundaries on either side of activity area
Alternative: Blue markers, blue rope
Arrange as 'lily pads' creating pathways across pond
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Mix with hoops to create varied pathway challenges
Alternative: Paper plates, carpet squares
Tie large knot at one end of each piece
Alternative: Shoelaces, thick wool
Pre-cut and store in containers for easy access
Alternative: Pasta tubes, cut plastic straws
Check for cracks or sharp edges
Alternative: Wooden spoons, large serving spoons
Use plastic eggs for safety with young children
Alternative: Ping pong balls, bean bags
Ensure holes are large enough for threading cord
Alternative: Large beads, cotton reels
Place at 20m distance from starting positions
Alternative: Hoops, buckets
Putting objects through a piece of string or thread one by one
Standing steady on one foot without falling over
Making our fingers and hands do exactly what we want them to do
Stop moving completely like a statue
Using thumb and finger together like a crab's claw to pick things up
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Counting threaded objects, measuring balance time, recognising patterns in threading sequences
Understanding balance and stability, exploring materials and textures, observing cause and effect in threading
Creating patterns with threaded objects, developing fine motor skills for mark-making
Working cooperatively in pairs, showing resilience with challenging tasks, celebrating others' achievements
Move between stations to observe all groups, position near small object activities for safety monitoring
Watch for pincer grip development, balance progression, and safe movement between activities
Step in if children struggle with threading technique, unsafe movement, or partnership difficulties
Show threading technique slowly and clearly, exaggerate balance position for visibility, model good partnership cooperation
Minimum 15m x 20m, clear of obstacles, suitable for running and equipment placement
Dry, non-slip surface suitable for jumping and balance activities
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, remove hazards if necessary
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