Material: Newspaper

Newspaper Log Tongs Balance

Steps:

  • Help your child roll a single sheet of newspaper into a tight, long log.
  • Use masking tape to secure the ends and the middle of the log so it stays firm.
  • Repeat this to make three logs and lay them parallel on a flat table.
  • Hand your child a pair of tongs and a basket of colorful pom-poms.
  • Challenge them to pick up one pom-pom and carefully set it on top of a newspaper log.
  • Continue until each log is covered in a row of fuzzy pom-poms!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Pom-poms are a choking hazard. Keep them away from mouths.

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.

The Growing Newspaper Tree

The Growing Newspaper Tree

Steps:

  • Take two large sheets of newspaper and lay them flat on the floor.
  • Overlap the edges slightly and use a piece of masking tape to hold them together.
  • Start at one end and roll the newspaper up into a very long, tight tube.
  • Wrap another piece of tape around the bottom of the tube to keep it from unrolling.
  • Hold the tube steady with one hand and use your scissors to cut four long slits from the top down to the middle.
  • Reach into the center of the tube and gently pull the paper upward.
  • Watch as your tree grows taller and taller as you pull the strips out!
  • Use your hands to fluff out the paper branches to finish your tree.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child while they are using scissors to keep them safe.

Standing Newspaper Foot Crumple Challenge

Standing Newspaper Foot Crumple Challenge

Steps:

  • Lay a flat sheet of newspaper on a smooth floor or rug.
  • Ask your child to stand on one leg next to the paper.
  • Use the other foot to slowly crinkle and crumple the paper into a ball.
  • The child must keep their standing foot still the whole time.
  • Once it is a ball, use the foot to push it into a basket.
  • Switch legs and try to crumple a new sheet of paper!
  • Challenge them to do it faster each time they play.

Safety Tip:
Ensure your child is near a wall or a sturdy chair for support if they lose their balance.

The Newspaper Crane Challenge

The Newspaper Crane Challenge

Steps:

  • Help your child roll a large sheet of newspaper into a tight, long rod.
  • Use several pieces of masking tape to keep the paper rod from unrolling.
  • Tape a small box firmly to one end of the long newspaper rod.
  • Scatter several small blocks on the floor in front of your child.
  • Ask your child to hold the handle end of the rod with both hands.
  • Challenge them to reach out and use the box to scoop up one block.
  • Have them lift the block and carry it to a target box on the floor.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the play area is clear of sharp furniture while your child moves the long rod.