At Little Learners South Colchester we’re BIG fans of pom poms – they’re colourful, they’re versatile and they’re great for sensory activities. I thought I’d share some of my favourite pom pom activities that we’ve enjoyed over the past few months!
First, where do I get Pom Poms?
Pom poms are usually available at craft stores such as Hobbycraft and The Works or online at Amazon or Baker Ross. Choose the larger sizes as these are easier for little hands, and less likely to be eaten. You can even make your own with yarn, if you want specific sizes and colours. Remember that children should be supervised at all times with the following activities…
Sorting Activities
The easiest way to start an activity – sprinkle lots over your tuff tray and provide a range of pots, plates and bottles in which they can be ‘posted’. To further enhance fine motor skills, you could use some tools such as scoop tweezers, jumbo tweezers or squeezy tweezers.
Grabbing Activities!
This one is great for older children or those who have graduated on from sorting activities. Collect some tennis balls and slice them through the middle (not all the way!) to make a ‘mouth’. Almost like Pac Man (if you know you know!) Your child then has to squeeze the tennis ball so that it can ‘eat’ the things in the tray. This is fantastic for building hand strength which is crucial to writing success later on in life.
We’re all about getting children writing at Little Learners South Colchester – why not join us for a class or find your nearest franchisee here?
Hot Weather Activities!
By freezing pom poms, your little one gets a real sensory challenge – trying to free them from the icy blocks! Simply pop your things (you can also use small toys!) into an ice cube tray or even a yoghurt pot and fill with water. Put it in the freezer and you’re sorted!
You could provide small hammers, tubs of water or water sprayers and encourage your little one to get smashing! This is a great physical activity and tool use like this can help develop fine and gross motor skills, as well as get muscles in the hands, arms and shoulders growing big and strong.
This is also a fab activity on a hot day! Need more hot weather inspiration – look no further! Or if you want to see how we do messy play outdoors in Colchester, take a look here!
Placement Activities
Provide some pictures that include spots – this could be ladybirds, Pudsey bear, fish or anything else that might interest your little one. Stick the pictures to your tray and see if they can use a tool or their fingers to pick up the pom poms and place them on the picture. Extra points if you can include colour matching or size identification. You could even make a game of it and time the activity and see if your little one can beat their own personal best.
Another easy peasy idea is to use masking tape to create some lines or shapes along which the poms poms are placed!
Final Thoughts from Little Learners South Colchester!
Pom poms can be used again and again – pop them in a laundry bag and they can be put in the washing machine if they get TOO sticky/messy!
You will find lots of early writing and mark making activities such as these at your local Little Learners sessions, not just at South Colchester! Find your nearest session HERE!
Anita – Little Learners South Colchester!
