Markers - Page 34 of 50

Plate Spin Targets

Steps:

Use markers to draw 4-6 small, bright dots (targets) randomly across the surface of the paper plate.
Flip the plate over. Use masking tape to secure a craft stick firmly to the center back as a spin handle.
Have your child place the plate on the table. They use one hand to grasp the craft stick handle.
Challenge your child to spin the plate quickly using their hand (practicing forearm rotation).
While the plate is spinning, they must try to quickly tap the center of a colored dot using the pointer finger of their other hand.
Try switching hands! Use the non-dominant hand to spin and the dominant hand to tap the moving targets.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the plate and handle are securely fastened. Supervise closely to ensure the child keeps their fingers clear of the spinning parts to avoid minor scrapes.

Foam Sheet Architect

Steps:

Use the markers to draw several simple shapes (squares or triangles) onto the Foam Sheets.
Use child-safe scissors to cut out the foam shapes. Hold the foam steady with your helper hand while cutting along the lines.
Choose two cut foam shapes. Hold them together firmly at the edge where you want to connect them.
Pick up one Golf Ball Tee. Push the pointy end through the edges of both foam shapes to connect them firmly. The tee acts as a sturdy connector.
Continue connecting shapes with tees until you have built a free-standing structure, like a tower or cube. Try to make your structure as tall as possible!

Safety Tip:
Golf tees have sharp points. Always supervise the child closely. Ensure all tees are collected immediately after play.

Slot Stuff Hedgehog

Steps:

Adult Prep: Use scissors to cut 8 to 10 short, narrow slits across the surface of the paper roll. These are the spine holes.
Decorate the roll using markers to give your hedgehog a cute face and body.
Tear the construction paper into many long, thin strips. Tearing wakes up finger and hand muscles.
Pick up the paper roll with your helper hand to keep it steady on the table.
Stuff one end of a paper strip into a spine hole using your dominant hand fingers.
Use a craft stick to gently push the paper strip completely inside the narrow slot. This requires precise force.
Continue stuffing paper spines into all the slots until your hedgehog is fully covered in soft spikes!

Safety Tip:
Adults must perform the scissor cutting for the narrow slots. Supervise closely to ensure small pieces of torn paper are not put in the mouth.

Fence Post Push

Steps:

Adult Prep: Use the scissors to cut several narrow, short slots (about 1-inch long) across the surface of the cardboard. Keep the slots tight to add resistance.
Set up the area by standing the cardboard vertically on a table. Place the craft sticks in the container next to the cardboard barrier.
Show your child how to use their ‘helper hand’ to hold and stabilize the cardboard fence, keeping it perfectly steady.
Using the working hand, pick up one craft stick at a time. Aim the stick at a slot and use a strong, controlled push to insert it through the cardboard.
Encourage your child to continue inserting sticks until the entire cardboard is full of colorful fence posts. Try pushing sticks into slots placed at different heights.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required during the preparation phase when using scissors. Ensure the child sits stably at the table while performing the pushing action.

Line Up Clips

Steps:

Use markers to color several craft sticks different bright colors.
Secure a long piece of string tautly between two chairs or tape it firmly to a wall at your child’s chest height. This is your clothesline.
Challenge your child to use a strong pincer grip to clip one clothespin onto the center of each colorful craft stick.
Have your child hold the string steady with their helper hand to provide a stable base.
Using their dominant hand, encourage them to clip the stick-and-clip unit onto the clothesline, lining up the colorful sticks in a specific order.

Safety Tip:
Clothespins can be small and pose a choking hazard for children under five. Always supervise this activity closely and ensure all pieces are collected after playtime.