Material: Index Cards

Zigzag Cardboard Explorer

Zigzag Cardboard Explorer

Steps:

  • Use a marker to draw a wide zigzag line across your flat cardboard.
  • Adult: Carefully cut along this line using your scissors to create a narrow slot.
  • Tape the ends of the cardboard to two small boxes so the board is raised.
  • Fold an index card in half and draw a little person on the top part.
  • Slide the bottom half of the index card into the cardboard slot.
  • Hold the board with your helper hand to keep it steady.
  • Use your other hand to slide the character from one end to the other!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child while they are playing with scissors or small cardboard pieces.

Secret Cardboard Window Latches

Secret Cardboard Window Latches

Steps:

  • Decorate three index cards using your bright markers.
  • Draw a small treasure or a smiley face on a cardboard sheet.
  • Place a colorful sticker in the center of your drawing for a surprise.
  • Use masking tape to attach one edge of an index card over your drawing.
  • This creates a small door that can open and close.
  • Squeeze a paper clip open slightly using your thumb and index finger.
  • Slide the paper clip over the edge of the card door and the cardboard.
  • Challenge your child to slide the latch off to find the treasure!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play to ensure paper clips are used safely and kept away from the mouth.

The Paper Cup Secret Sounds

The Paper Cup Secret Sounds

Steps:

  • Line up six empty paper cups on a table.
  • Put a small handful of rice into two cups.
  • Fill two more cups with dry beans and the last two with oats.
  • Place an index card over the top of each cup and secure it tightly with masking tape.
  • Use markers to draw a small secret symbol on the bottom of each cup to mark the pairs.
  • Mix the cups up and ask your child to shake them one by one.
  • Challenge your child to find the two cups that make the exact same sound!

Safety Tip:
Supervise your child closely when using rice or beans to prevent them from putting items in their mouth.

The Card Link Arch

The Card Link Arch

Steps:

  • Place the paper cup upside down on a flat table.
  • Pick up two index cards with your helper hand.
  • Slide a paper clip onto the edges to join the cards.
  • Repeat this to make a long chain of four or five cards.
  • Curve the cards over the cup to form a bridge.
  • Add extra clips to the bottom of the end cards for weight.
  • Slide the cup out slowly to see if the arch stays up.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the child remains seated at the table and uses only the craft materials.

The Clothespin Cliff Climber

The Clothespin Cliff Climber

Steps:

  • Place the shoe box on its side on a flat table.
  • Use masking tape to stick five index cards vertically along the side of the box.
  • Make sure the cards are spaced out like steps on a ladder.
  • Use markers to draw a small start flag on the bottom card and a finish flag on the top card.
  • Have your child use a clothespin to clip onto the bottom index card.
  • Challenge them to unclip and move the clothespin up to the next card without the box sliding.
  • Continue until the climber reaches the top flag!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during this activity to ensure they use the clothespins safely on the cards.