Buttons - Page 3 of 11

The Pincer Slider Box Maze

Steps:

Take the lid off your shoe box.
Use markers to draw a path on the bottom.
Cut your straws into small and medium pieces.
Tape the straw pieces along the lines of your path.
These straw walls will create a maze.
Place one small button at the start of the maze.
Use your thumb and pointer finger to slide the button.
Carefully move the button through the straw tunnels to finish.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Small buttons are a choking hazard, so keep them away from younger siblings.

The Baking Cup Button Slot

Steps:

First, glue several paper baking cups onto a flat piece of cardboard.
Use your scissors to cut a small, narrow slit in the bottom of each cup.
Make sure the slit is just a little bit smaller than your buttons.
Use markers to draw a different colored circle around the slit in each cup.
Ask your child to find a button that matches the color of the circle.
Challenge them to use their pinching fingers to squeeze the button through the slit!
They should hold the cardboard steady with their other hand while they push.
Listen for the soft sound as the button falls through to the board.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play as buttons are a choking hazard. Ensure the cardboard edges are smooth to prevent scratches.

The Button Logic Grid

Steps:

Use a marker to draw a three-by-three grid on the cardboard.
Collect nine buttons in three different colors from your container.
You will need three red, three blue, and three yellow ones.
Explain that each color only goes once in every row.
Each color also only goes once in every column.
Place one button in a corner to start the game.
Ask your child to place the rest of the buttons.
Encourage them to check their work for any double colors.
Check the final work together to see if it is correct!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Buttons are a choking hazard for younger siblings.

The Foil Texture Rubbing

Steps:

Use your glue to stick a few coins, buttons, and dry leaves onto a flat piece of cardboard.
Wait for the glue to dry so the objects are firmly in place.
Tear off a sheet of aluminum foil large enough to cover the cardboard.
Place the foil over the objects and use your ‘helper hand’ to hold the edges down firmly.
Use your dominant hand to gently rub your fingertips over the foil until you feel the shapes beneath.
Pick up a crayon and use the side of the tip to rub across the raised areas of the foil.
Watch as the detailed textures of the coins and leaves magically appear on the shiny surface!
Use your markers to add colorful details around the textured prints you created.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is recommended to ensure the edges of the foil are handled gently. Make sure all glue is dry before applying the foil.

The Foil Pancake Button Press

Steps:

Tear off a large sheet of aluminum foil using both of your hands.
Encourage your toddler to crumple the foil into a flat, thick pancake shape.
Place the foil pancake inside the aluminum foil pan or onto a piece of cardboard for stability.
Give your child a handful of colorful buttons from your collection.
Ask them to use their pointer finger and thumb to pick up one button at a time.
Challenge your toddler to press each button firmly into the surface of the foil pancake.
Watch as the foil wraps slightly around the edges to hold the buttons in place!

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: Buttons are small and pose a risk. Always supervise your child closely during this activity. Ensure all buttons are put away safely once you are finished playing.