Putty Activities

Poor hand strength can impact a child’s ability to carry out daily activities

such as dressing, feeding, handwriting, and play. Here are 5 easy putty activities to improve your child’s hand strength 

• Activity 1:  Remove items from putty 

• There are options available online with items already in the putty or you can choose your own items such as coins, beads, etc 

• We can add links here if we want to some recommended brands 

• Helpful tip: Have a specific number of items in the putty so your child has a goal of what they are working towards and you can keep track of if any items get lost 

• Activity 2: Roll into a ball and squeeze

• Set aside the items (coins, beads, etc) into the container 

• In between your hands or another stable surface (the table or floor not carpet) and move your hands in circular motions to create a ball shape of the putty 

• Squeeze your ball! 

• Helpful tip: You can use this as a moment to talk about emotional regulation/feelings with your child. When you feel angry, one option is to squeeze your putty!

• Activity 3: Roll your putty into a snake (or whatever animal/object you want to make it into) and pinch 

• Place the putty in between your hands or on the ground/table and roll it into a snake 

• Once your putty is at your desired length have your child pinch from one side all the way to the end of the other side 

• Your child can alternate hands or keep using the same hand 

• Activity 4: Roll into a donut and open hand (break free from donut idk)  

• Start by rolling your putty into a small snake shape 

• Wrap it around to create a donut shape with a small hole 

• Have your child bring all fingers together to create a computer that goes through the small hole 

• Have your child open their hands to expand the circle 

• Helpful hint: The thicker the donut and the smaller the initial hole, the more resistance there will be 

• Activity 5: Have them build their name, shape, or picture out of putty 

• Have your child create several small snakes of putty

• Putty can be very stretchy so they may need your help breaking off the chunks of putty initially