The Cardboard Box Pinball Goal

The Cardboard Box Pinball Goal

Steps:

  • Open the shoe box and remove the lid to create your play arena.
  • Cut small strips of cardboard from the lid to make bumpers.
  • Tape the bumpers inside the box at different angles using masking tape.
  • Cut a paper straw into three pieces and tape them down as obstacles.
  • Use your markers to draw point values like 10 or 50 on the bumpers.
  • Hold the box with both hands and place the ping pong ball inside.
  • Tilt the box slowly to roll the ball and hit every bumper target!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child while they are using scissors. Ensure the box edges are smooth to prevent any small scratches during play.

The Button Logic Grid

The Button Logic Grid

Steps:

  • Use a marker to draw a three-by-three grid on the cardboard.
  • Collect nine buttons in three different colors from your container.
  • You will need three red, three blue, and three yellow ones.
  • Explain that each color only goes once in every row.
  • Each color also only goes once in every column.
  • Place one button in a corner to start the game.
  • Ask your child to place the rest of the buttons.
  • Encourage them to check their work for any double colors.
  • Check the final work together to see if it is correct!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Buttons are a choking hazard for younger siblings.

The Fire Breathing Dragon Tube

The Fire Breathing Dragon Tube

Steps:

  • Use your markers to draw a silly dragon face on the outside of the paper roll.
  • Tear the colorful tissue paper into long, thin strips that look like flames.
  • Put a few dots of glue around the inside rim of one end of the tube.
  • Press the ends of your tissue paper strips onto the glue dots carefully.
  • Glue two pom-poms on top of the tube to give your dragon big eyes.
  • Hold the tube to your mouth and blow hard to make the fire dance!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child while they are using glue and small pom-poms. Ensure the paper roll is clean and free of any staples.

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.

The Beaded Cup Wind Chime

The Beaded Cup Wind Chime

Steps:

  • Use your markers and stickers to decorate the outside of your paper cup with bright colors.
  • Help your child hold the cup steady while they use the hole puncher to make four holes around the rim.
  • Cut four pieces of string, each about six inches long, using your scissors.
  • Show your child how to thread one string through a hole and tie a simple knot to secure it.
  • Ask your child to pick up a bead and slide it onto one of the hanging strings.
  • Continue adding beads until the strings are full, then tie a knot at the bottom of each one.

Safety Tip:
Beads are a significant choking hazard. Always supervise your child closely during this activity and keep small parts away from younger siblings.