And the payoff is big. Looping yarn through holes to “sew” helps your child develop the use of his finger and thumb and of small hand muscles. He needs these for writing, cutting with scissors, and many other school skills.

To make a sewing card, you can use Styrofoam trays, old pieces of cardboard, anything a little big and sturdy. Cut the material into a size your child can easily work with. A 6-inch square works well. Then punch holes all around the square in whatever design you like.

Now cut a piece of yarn about 18 inches long and wrap one end in masking tape. This end is the “needle.” Tape the other end to the back of the sewing card. Have your child pick up the needle end of the yarn and practice looping it in and out of the holes on the card.

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