The Balancing Button Pendulum

The Balancing Button Pendulum

Steps:

  • Tape one end of the string to the top of a doorway.
  • Use the hole puncher to make two holes in the paper cup.
  • Tie the other end of the string through the holes to hang the cup.
  • Place five buttons inside the cup to give it a little weight.
  • Set up three cardboard strips as pins on the floor nearby.
  • Pull the cup back and release it to knock the pins down.
  • Try to keep the buttons inside the cup during the swing!

Safety Tip:
Ensure the doorway is clear of traffic and the string is not left unattended to prevent tripping.

The Paper Roll Spy Tubes

The Paper Roll Spy Tubes

Steps:

  • Hold two cardboard paper rolls side by side.
  • Use masking tape to wrap around the middle of the rolls to stick them together.
  • Decorate the outside of your spy tubes using colorful markers.
  • Use a hole puncher to make one hole on the outside edge of each roll.
  • Thread a piece of yarn through the holes to create a strap.
  • Ask an adult to help tie the yarn ends so the strap is secure.
  • Now, look through your spy tubes to find specific colors in the room!

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required while using the hole puncher and yarn to ensure safety.

Beaded Joint Dancer

Beaded Joint Dancer

Steps:

  • Draw a person or animal on construction paper with markers.
  • Cut out the head, body, and limbs as separate pieces.
  • Use a hole puncher to make a hole at each limb joint.
  • Punch matching holes on the shoulders and hips of the body.
  • Thread a piece of yarn through the holes to join pieces.
  • Tie the yarn loosely so the dancer can move its limbs.
  • Slide beads onto the yarn ends to add color and weight.
  • Use masking tape to hang your dancer on a door.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they use a hole puncher to prevent finger pinches. Keep small beads away from younger siblings to avoid choking.

Baking Cup Parachute Drop

Baking Cup Parachute Drop

Steps:

  • Help your child use a hole puncher to make four holes around the edge of a paper baking cup.
  • Cut four pieces of yarn, each about six inches long.
  • Show your child how to thread one piece of yarn through a hole and tie a simple knot.
  • Repeat this for all four holes until the cup has four strings hanging down.
  • Gather the ends of the yarn and use masking tape to stick them onto a pom-pom.
  • Hold the parachute high and let it go to watch it float to the ground!

Safety Tip:
Small pom-poms can be a choking hazard. Please keep them out of the reach of younger siblings and supervise your child closely.

Putty Cord Threading Art

Putty Cord Threading Art

Steps:

  • Use markers to draw several small target dots randomly across the cardboard surface. Keep the cardboard stable with your helper hand.
  • Squeeze the hole puncher forcefully onto each marker dot. Punch 6 to 8 holes across the cardboard to create your weaving board.
  • Take a large lump of Theraputty. Use strong effort to roll the putty tightly into long, stiff, spaghetti-like cords.
  • Pick up one stiff putty cord. Hold the cardboard firmly steady with your non-dominant hand.
  • Challenge your child to use the stiff cord like a needle. Push the cord straight through one of the narrow punched holes. Pull it all the way through.
  • Continue threading and pushing the putty cords through the holes to create a colorful, textured design.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Theraputty/Playdough is a dense material and poses a choking hazard for children who still place items in their mouths. Ensure materials are used only as intended.