Fine Motor Activities: 4th of July Rocket Craft

Try this simple 4th of July craft and movement activity to keep kids entertained this holiday weekend!

This simple 4th of July craft has been a favorite of the kids in my play groups for years.  I love it when crafts and fine motor activities can be more than just something pretty to look at – this one offers great opportunities for a child to practice throwing and catching independently, or with a friend!

What You’ll Need:

-Toilet paper roll (or make your own cylinder out of cardstock and tape)

-An assortment of red/white/blue string and ribbon, red/white/blue construction paper

-Scissors

-Hole punch

-Tape

-Other 4th of July decorations (star stickers, sequins, etc.)

What to do:

Have kids use construction paper to cover their toilet paper roll or paper cylinder to make it red, white, or blue.  Then, set them loose with the patriotic craft items to decorate their paper roll for the 4th of July!

Punch 4-5 holes around the bottom of the paper roll and show kids how to string their ribbons through and tie a knot, securing each one.

Have kids cut a small circle out of construction paper and cut one snip from the edge of the circle to the middle.

Show them how to curl the paper around to make a cone shape for the top of the rocket (tape it into place).

Watch as your little ones have a blast tossing those rockets up into the air!

How to change it up:

-Challenge your child to see how many times in a row he can throw his rocket up into the air and catch it.  Start with little tosses and work up to throwing it as high as he can!

-Try some target practice!  Hold a hula hoop up and see if your child can toss his rocket through the hoop.  Or, lay the hoop down on the ground and see if he can toss his rocket and have it land inside from several steps away.

-Use a rocket to play catch with a friend!

Skill Areas Addressed:

Fine motor skills, visual motor integration, coordination, gross motor skills, motor control, social skills

Looking for more patriotic fun? Check out these ideas for your next Memorial Day party – and then reuse them on the 4th of July!