Stars Into the Jar

With soft music playing, children pick up fallen stars (pom-poms) one by one with a finger pinch and tuck them into their jar to sleep. It builds the fine pincer grip, focus and slowing down at the end of the session.

How to play

1. Sit on the floor with a jar each; the teacher scatters the stars around, saying they fell from the sky (1 min).
2. Pick up a star with two fingers, look at it, blow on it gently and put it in the jar (2 min).
3. Now pick them up with the other hand, slowly and quietly (1 min).
4. With eyes closed, feel around for the stars nearby and put them in (1 min).
5. Cover the jar with a hand, hug it and whisper, "Good night, stars" (1 min).

Rules

• One star at a time, with two fingers.
• Pick them up quietly so they don't wake up.
• Stars don't go in mouths or noses.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: put the pom-poms on a tray on the child's table.
• Low vision: place the pom-poms on a plate that marks where to search, so they can find them by touch.
• Less finger control: use small plastic tongs or bigger pom-poms.

Learning goals

• Practice the fine finger pincer grip.
• Stay focused on a calm task.
• Slow down and relax at the end.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Large pom-poms: 75
• Wide-mouth jars: 25
• Calm music

Teacher tip

Use pom-poms at least 1.5 inches across and keep a close eye on 3-year-olds, who still put everything in their mouths. Lower your own voice first; the group copies you.

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