The Foil Pan Hockey Challenge

The Foil Pan Hockey Challenge

Steps:

  • Use masking tape to mark a small goal at one end of the pan.
  • Place one marble at the opposite end of the pan.
  • Give your child a craft stick to use as a hockey stick.
  • Ask them to hold the pan with their helper hand to keep it still.
  • Use the other hand to push the marble toward the goal.
  • Navigate around obstacles made of tape or blocks!
  • See how many goals they can score in one minute.

Safety Tip:
Marbles are a significant choking hazard. Always supervise children during play and keep small parts away from younger siblings.

The Stocking Wrecking Ball

The Stocking Wrecking Ball

Steps:

  • Place a tennis ball into the toe of a long stocking.
  • Slide the open end of the stocking over your child’s head like a hat.
  • The stocking should hang down with the ball near their chest or waist.
  • Use masking tape to mark a small circle on the floor for your child to stand in.
  • Help your child build three tall towers using the blocks just outside the circle.
  • Ask your child to keep their feet inside the tape circle.
  • Challenge them to swing their body and head to make the ball hit the towers.
  • Cheer as the blocks tumble down and then build them up again!

Safety Tip:
Ensure your child is in a clear area away from sharp furniture. Adult supervision is required to ensure the stocking does not cover the child’s face or eyes.

The Tummy Time Sun Rays

The Tummy Time Sun Rays

Steps:

  • Draw a large sun with long rays on construction paper using your markers.
  • Use masking tape to secure the paper firmly to the floor so it does not move.
  • Squeeze small dots of glue along the lines of the sun’s rays.
  • Ask your child to lie on their stomach on the floor, facing the paper.
  • Place a paper plate with a small pile of beans right in front of them.
  • Encourage your child to lift their chest and head up high while they reach for the beans.
  • Have them use their thumb and pointer finger to pick up one bean at a time.
  • Challenge them to press the beans into the glue dots to decorate the sun.
  • Encourage them to switch hands to help both sides of their body get stronger!

Safety Tip:
Choking Hazard: Beans are small objects that can be a safety risk. Always supervise your child during play and ensure all beans are collected afterward.

The Masking Tape Web Bridge

The Masking Tape Web Bridge

Steps:

  • Find an empty shoe box and remove the lid.
  • Stretch four strips of masking tape across the open top.
  • Make sure the sticky side is facing up toward the ceiling.
  • Give your child a pile of craft sticks to hold.
  • Ask them to press one stick across two tape strips.
  • Keep adding sticks until a solid bridge floor is made.
  • Place a small stuffed animal on the bridge for a ride!
  • Gently peel the sticks off to start the build again.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child to ensure the masking tape does not get stuck on their hair or skin.

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.