The Cardboard Castle Squeezer

The Cardboard Castle Squeezer

Steps:

  • Find a large, flat piece of sturdy cardboard to be your castle base.
  • Draw four or five narrow rectangles on the cardboard using your markers.
  • Ask an adult to help you cut out these rectangular slots using scissors.
  • Ensure each slot is slightly narrower than the width of a paper cup.
  • Give your child several paper cups and encourage them to decorate the cups.
  • Show them how to use both hands to squeeze a cup until it is flat.
  • Challenge your child to push the flattened cup through a narrow slot.
  • Once through, the cup will pop open slightly to stay inside the castle!
  • Repeat this until all the castle towers are securely in place.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise children when using scissors. Ensure the cardboard has smooth edges to prevent scratches during the pushing movement.

The Magnetic Paper Clip Fish

The Magnetic Paper Clip Fish

Steps:

  • Draw several fish shapes on a flat piece of cardboard using your bright markers.
  • Help your child carefully cut out each fish using the safety scissors.
  • Slide a single paper clip over the nose of every cardboard fish.
  • Take a long paper roll and tape one end of a piece of string to the top.
  • Tie a second paper clip to the loose end of the string to act as the hook.
  • Place the fish on the floor and hold the paper roll with both hands.
  • Challenge your child to lower the hook and link it onto a fish’s paper clip to rescue it!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Small paper clips can be a choking hazard if placed in the mouth. Ensure the string is kept away from the neck area.

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.

Butcher Paper Body Map

Butcher Paper Body Map

Steps:

  • Lay a long piece of butcher paper on the floor.
  • Use masking tape to secure the corners so it stays still.
  • Ask your child to lie down flat on their back on the paper.
  • Slowly trace around their whole body using a bright marker.
  • Have your child stand up and look at their twin on the paper.
  • Give them a sheet of stickers and ask them to place a sticker on their knees.
  • Challenge them to place stickers on their elbows, toes, and belly button too!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Stickers can be a choking hazard, so make sure they stay on the paper and not in the mouth.

Bubble Wrap Stomp Shoes

Bubble Wrap Stomp Shoes

Steps:

  • Cut two pieces of bubble wrap large enough to cover your child’s feet.
  • Wrap the bubble wrap gently around each foot like a soft shoe.
  • Secure the wrap at the ankles with a small piece of masking tape.
  • Encourage your child to walk slowly across a carpeted floor.
  • Cheer for them as they stomp to hear the pop sound!

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: This activity uses tape and plastic wrap. Always supervise your child closely to keep them safe.