The Straw Rocket Blast

The Straw Rocket Blast

Steps:

  • Use your scissors to cut a small rectangle of paper, about three inches wide.
  • Wrap the paper tightly around a pencil to form a neat tube.
  • Use a small piece of masking tape to secure the paper tube so it does not unroll.
  • Pinch one open end of the paper tube and fold it down tightly.
  • Use another piece of tape to seal this folded end completely to make the rocket nose.
  • Slide the open end of your paper rocket over the end of a straw.
  • Take a deep breath and blow hard through the straw to launch your rocket!

Safety Tip:
Supervise your child closely while they use scissors. Ensure they do not run while holding the straws or pencils.

Yarn Ring Orbit Slider

Yarn Ring Orbit Slider

Steps:

  • Use markers to draw a bright yellow sun in the very center of your paper plate.
  • Use the hole puncher to click four holes around the outer rim of the plate.
  • Use scissors to cut two pieces of yarn, each about twelve inches long.
  • Have your child slide three colorful beads onto each piece of yarn.
  • Push the ends of the yarn through the opposite holes to create two crossing tracks.
  • Secure the yarn ends firmly to the back of the paper plate using masking tape.
  • Ask your child to hold the plate steady on the table with their helper hand.
  • Use the pinching fingers of their other hand to slide the beads along the tracks from orbit to orbit!

Safety Tip:
Supervise your child closely when they are handling scissors, small beads, or yarn. Store all small pieces safely out of reach after play to prevent any choking hazards.

The Pencil Top Target Spin

The Pencil Top Target Spin

Steps:

  • Use a small bowl to trace a circle onto your cardboard.
  • Carefully use scissors to cut the circle out.
  • Let your child draw a bright spiral pattern on the circle using markers.
  • Push the pencil tip straight through the center of the cardboard circle.
  • Make sure the cardboard fits snugly near the bottom of the pencil.
  • Lay your butcher paper flat on the floor and secure it with masking tape.
  • Use your markers to draw three nesting target circles on the paper.
  • Hold the pencil top with your thumb and first two fingers.
  • Twist your fingers quickly to spin the top onto the target circles!

Safety Tip:
Ensure the pencil tip is not overly sharp to prevent accidental pokes during the spinning motion.

The Cardboard Yarn Harp

The Cardboard Yarn Harp

Steps:

  • Use scissors to cut a large rectangle from your cardboard.
  • Cut a square out of the middle to make a frame.
  • Let your child decorate the cardboard frame using bright markers.
  • Tape one end of a piece of yarn to the back of the frame.
  • Wrap the yarn around the frame to create several harp strings.
  • Secure the other end of the yarn with masking tape.
  • Ask your child to hold the frame steady with their helper hand.
  • Challenge them to squeeze and clip clothespins onto the yarn strings.
  • Encourage them to cross their arm over to clip the opposite side!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they are using scissors. Ensure the cardboard edges are smooth to prevent minor scrapes.

Laundry Basket Sailboat

Laundry Basket Sailboat

Steps:

  • Place a large laundry basket on a smooth floor like wood or tile.
  • Have your child sit inside the basket with their legs tucked in comfortably.
  • Give them a long pool noodle to hold with both hands like an oar.
  • Show them how to push the noodle against the floor to move the basket.
  • Encourage them to alternate pushing on the left and then the right side.
  • Use masking tape to mark a start and finish line for the race.

Safety Tip:
Supervise your child to keep the basket from tipping. Make sure the floor is clear of toys that could trip them up.