The Craft Stick Picture Puzzle

The Craft Stick Picture Puzzle

Steps:

  • Line up five or six craft sticks side-by-side on a flat table.
  • Place a long strip of masking tape across the back to hold them together.
  • Flip the sticks over so the tape is on the bottom.
  • Ask your child to draw a simple picture across all the sticks using markers.
  • Carefully peel the masking tape off the back.
  • Mix up the craft sticks so the picture is out of order.
  • Challenge your child to put the sticks back in the right order to reveal the picture!

Safety Tip:
Supervise your child while they use markers to ensure they stay on the craft sticks. Check the sticks for splinters before starting the activity.

The Paper Plate Steering Wheel

The Paper Plate Steering Wheel

Steps:

  • Draw a colorful dashboard and buttons on your paper plate with markers.
  • Apply a large dab of glue to the center of the plate’s back.
  • Press the cap of an empty plastic bottle firmly into the glue.
  • Allow the glue to dry completely so the wheel stays attached to the handle.
  • Place several blocks in a zigzag line on the floor to make a path.
  • Ask your child to hold the bottle and ‘drive’ through the block maze!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play to ensure they use the materials safely and do not put small blocks in their mouth.

The Styrofoam Star Map

The Styrofoam Star Map

Steps:

  • Grab a flat block of Styrofoam and set it on the table.
  • Use a marker to draw 8 small dots across the foam.
  • Ask your child to pick up a golf ball tee using their pinching fingers.
  • Have them push the pointy end of the tee straight into a dot.
  • Repeat this until all the stars have a pillar standing up.
  • Now, place a single bead on top of each golf ball tee.
  • Ask them to move slowly so the beads stay on the pillars.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Golf ball tees have pointed ends and beads are a choking hazard. Keep these materials away from small children and pets.

The Bubble Power Road Trip

The Bubble Power Road Trip

Steps:

  • Use masking tape to secure a sheet of bubble wrap to a wall at your child’s shoulder height.
  • Use a marker to draw a long, wiggly line from the bottom to the top of the bubble wrap.
  • Place a small stuffed animal at the start of the line.
  • Tell your child that the stuffed animal needs bubble power to move up the road.
  • Have your child pop one bubble on the line using their pointer finger.
  • Once the bubble pops, move the stuffed animal slightly forward along the path.
  • Continue popping bubbles one by one until the toy reaches the top of the road.
  • Try using the other hand to help the toy finish its journey!

Safety Tip:
Choking Hazard. This activity involves plastic wrap which can be torn into small pieces. Always supervise your child to ensure they do not put bubble wrap in their mouth. Ensure the wall tape is secure.

The Woven Stick Bridge

The Woven Stick Bridge

Steps:

  • Cut a long, narrow rectangle from a piece of sturdy cardboard.
  • Glue several craft sticks across the rectangle, leaving small gaps.
  • Wait for the glue to dry until the sticks are very firm.
  • Tie a piece of colorful yarn to the first craft stick.
  • Weave the yarn over the first stick and under the second one.
  • Continue the pattern until you reach the end of the bridge.
  • Use markers to draw a scene with water under the bridge.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they use scissors or handle yarn.