Glue - OTPlan

The Cardboard Compass Navigator

Steps:

Use your scissors to cut a large square out of cardboard for your map base.
Draw a colorful landscape with markers including a river and a forest.
Glue a craft stick at each edge of the board and label them North, South, East, and West.
Use a pencil to poke a tiny hole right in the center of your map.
Thread a piece of string through one button and then through the hole in the cardboard.
Tie a thick knot on the back of the board so the button stays attached.
Ask your child to rest their palm on the cardboard without lifting it.
They must use their thumb and index finger to slide the button to different targets.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they are using scissors or small buttons.

The Musical Ribbon Shaker

Steps:

Give your toddler two paper plates to decorate with markers.
Place one plate face up on the table.
Help your child pick up a handful of beans.
Ask them to use their thumb and pointer finger to drop the beans one by one.
Place the second plate upside down on top of the first.
An adult should staple the edges together firmly.
Glue several colorful ribbon strips to the sides of the shaker.
Show your toddler how to hold the shaker with both hands.
Shake the plates to the beat of your favorite song!

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: Beans and staples are small. Always supervise your child and ensure the plates are sealed tightly.

The Hidden Meadow Rescue

Steps:

First, grab a piece of cardboard to use as your meadow floor.
Draw a few colorful bugs on the board with your markers.
Cut your green tissue paper into several long, thin strips.
Glue the bottom end of each strip to the cardboard base.
Let the top of the paper flop over to hide your bug drawings.
Place some colorful buttons or stickers underneath the tissue paper grass.
Invite your child to go on a bug hunt in the meadow!
Show them how to lift the grass with one hand while the other picks up a button.

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: This activity uses small buttons and stickers. Always supervise your toddler closely and ensure they do not put these items in their mouth.

The Cardboard Box Texture Tunnel

Steps:

Use masking tape to connect two large boxes to create a long, sturdy tunnel.
Cut the flaps off both ends so your child has a clear path to crawl through.
Use tape to secure different pieces of fabric to the bottom of the tunnel.
Stick several soft cotton balls to the inner walls of the box using glue or tape.
Encourage your child to crawl through the tunnel and touch the various textures.
Talk about the sensations, asking if the walls feel soft, fuzzy, or smooth.

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: Cotton balls are small parts. Always supervise your toddler closely and ensure they do not pull them off to put in their mouth.

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.