The Cardboard Paddle Balance Walk

The Cardboard Paddle Balance Walk

Steps:

  • Cut a piece of cardboard into a square shape, about the size of a book.
  • Use masking tape to mark a start and finish line on the floor.
  • Place a ping pong ball in the center of the cardboard paddle.
  • Ask your child to hold the paddle with both hands at first.
  • Challenge them to walk from the start line to the finish line without the ball falling.
  • Once they are experts, have them try holding the paddle with only one hand!

Safety Tip:
Supervise your child during the activity to prevent any trips or falls on the floor.

The Ribbon Tail Balloon Catch

The Ribbon Tail Balloon Catch

Steps:

  • Blow up a bright balloon and tie it tightly.
  • Cut four long strips of ribbon using your scissors.
  • Tape the ribbons to the bottom of the balloon.
  • Toss the balloon high into the air.
  • Ask your child to catch the balloon by the ribbons.
  • See how many times they can catch it before it lands!

Safety Tip:
Always watch your child when playing with balloons. Broken pieces are a choking hazard. Throw away any popped balloons right away.

Zigzag Beam Clip Challenge

Zigzag Beam Clip Challenge

Steps:

  • Lay out three long strips of cardboard in a zigzag line on the floor.
  • Use masking tape to stick the cardboard firmly to the ground.
  • Use markers to draw five small circles along the cardboard path.
  • Place a paper cup at the very end of the line.
  • Fill a plastic container with colorful pom-poms and place it at the start.
  • Give your child a handful of paper clips to hold in one hand.
  • Ask your child to walk slowly along the cardboard beam.
  • As they walk, they must place one pom-pom inside each drawn circle.
  • While standing on the beam, they must use pincer fingers to slide a paper clip onto the paper cup.
  • If they step off the cardboard, they have to go back to the start!

Safety Tip:
Ensure the floor area is clear of other toys to prevent tripping. Make sure the cardboard is taped flat so it is not slippery.

The Pencil Power Reel

The Pencil Power Reel

Steps:

  • Cut a piece of string about three feet long.
  • Tape one end of the string to the pencil.
  • Tape the other end inside a paper cup.
  • Fill the cup with beans for weight.
  • Hold the pencil with both hands.
  • Extend arms straight out in front.
  • Twist the pencil to wind the string.
  • Watch the cup lift toward the pencil.
  • Twist backward to lower the cup safely.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the cup is not too heavy to prevent wrist strain.

Under-Table Starry Night

Under-Table Starry Night

Steps:

  • Draw many colorful dots across a flat piece of cardboard using your markers.
  • Use a pen to poke a small hole through the center of every dot.
  • Find a stable low table and tape the cardboard to the underside with masking tape.
  • Help your child lie down on their back underneath the table.
  • Hand them a pile of Q-tips to hold in their helper hand.
  • Challenge them to push a Q-tip into every star hole they see above.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the table is stable and the area is clear of hard objects. Always supervise your child while they are lying under the furniture.