Sticky Spider Web

What you need

• a roll of masking tape
• a few sheets of scrap paper, to scrunch into flies

How to do it

1. Show your toddler the web and press your hand on it so they can feel how sticky it is.
2. Scrunch some paper into balls together: these are the flies.
3. Let them stick the flies on the web by pressing them on, then by throwing them from a step away.
4. Pull the flies off one at a time and start again, then peel the web down together at the end.

Why it matters

Reaching, pressing and throwing at a web that grabs whatever touches it is a whole-body game, and peeling a fly back off is good finger work too.

What they're learning

Throwing

Letting go of a paper ball at the right moment so it reaches the web is early aim and timing.

Hand strength

Peeling a fly off sticky tape works the small muscles in the fingers.

Cause and effect

A soft press sticks and a wild throw sometimes bounces off: they learn by trying both.

What to look for

Watch them work out that a press always sticks and a throw only sometimes does. Keep the web low, below their chest, and take it down when you finish.

A tip

Masking tape comes off painted door frames cleanly; keep it off wallpaper.

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