Newspaper Ring Launchers

Newspaper Ring Launchers

Steps:

  • Help your child roll a single sheet of newspaper diagonally into a tight, long tube.
  • Wrap masking tape around the top, middle, and bottom to keep the paper firm.
  • Cut a large circle out of the center of a cardboard piece for a target.
  • Use ribbon to hang the cardboard ring from a stable doorway or chair.
  • Mark a throw line on the floor with tape a few feet away.
  • Challenge your child to throw their newspaper tube through the center of the ring.
  • Move the line further back to make the game harder as they improve.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is recommended to ensure the child throws safely and the area is clear of breakable items.

Heavy Roll Cotton Sweep

Heavy Roll Cotton Sweep

Steps:

  • Adult: Fill an empty paper roll halfway with dry rice.
  • Use several layers of masking tape to seal the ends.
  • Child: Stand up and hold the roll with both hands.
  • Place a few cotton balls on a smooth floor.
  • Use the heavy roll to push the balls toward the basket.
  • Try to keep the roll straight so the balls don’t escape.
  • Reach the basket to win the game!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your toddler during play. Small rice grains are a choking hazard. Ensure the tape is very secure.

The Masking Tape Ribbon Tangle

The Masking Tape Ribbon Tangle

Steps:

  • Start by taping one end of a long ribbon to a flat table using a small piece of masking tape.
  • Stretch the ribbon across the table and place another piece of tape over it every few inches to create a tangled path.
  • Ask your child to use their fingertips to find the edge of each piece of tape.
  • Encourage them to peel the tape up to rescue the ribbon from the table.
  • Once the ribbon is free, show them how to roll it up into a small bundle using both hands.
  • Place the finished ribbon roll into a basket and repeat with a different color!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play to ensure they do not put masking tape or ribbon in their mouth. Ensure the table has smooth edges to prevent any scratches.

Post-It Path Finder

Post-It Path Finder

Steps:

  • Place a long strip of masking tape on a clear floor area to create a straight ‘tightrope’ path.
  • Stick several colorful Post-Its on the wall at your child’s eye level along the length of the tape path.
  • Ask your child to stand at the start of the tape line and hold a single block with both hands.
  • Challenge your child to walk slowly along the tape line without letting their feet step off the sticky path.
  • While they are walking, call out a color that matches one of the Post-Its on the wall.
  • Your child must find the matching color with their eyes and point to it with one hand without stopping their walk.
  • Repeat the process until they reach the end of the line, calling out different colors as they go.

Safety Tip:
Always ensure the floor is clear of toys and that the walking path is a safe distance away from sharp furniture corners.

The Pincer Slider Box Maze

The Pincer Slider Box Maze

Steps:

  • Take the lid off your shoe box.
  • Use markers to draw a path on the bottom.
  • Cut your straws into small and medium pieces.
  • Tape the straw pieces along the lines of your path.
  • These straw walls will create a maze.
  • Place one small button at the start of the maze.
  • Use your thumb and pointer finger to slide the button.
  • Carefully move the button through the straw tunnels to finish.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Small buttons are a choking hazard, so keep them away from younger siblings.