Paper Clips - Page 2 of 4

The Supine Tape Rescue

Steps:

Place two sturdy boxes about two feet apart on a carpeted floor.
Stretch several long strips of masking tape between the boxes with the sticky side facing down toward the floor.
Press lightweight treasures like ribbons, feathers, and paper clips onto the sticky tape bridge.
Ask your child to lie on their back on the floor between the two boxes, looking up at the tape.
Encourage them to reach up with one hand to peel a treasure off the tape.
Challenge them to use their other hand to hold a basket as they rescue all the treasures!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child to ensure they do not put any small items like paper clips in their mouth.

Cosmic Antenna Balance

Steps:

Press a medium ball of playdough onto the center of a sturdy cardboard sheet to create the base.
Push three Q-Tips into the playdough at an angle to create a tripod stand.
Place a baking cup upside down on top of the three Q-Tip ends.
Gently rest a fourth Q-Tip across the flat bottom of the upside-down baking cup.
Carefully slide one paper clip onto each end of the horizontal Q-Tip to act as satellite dishes.
Challenge your child to add more paper clips without tipping the whole antenna over!

Safety Tip:
Ensure the structure is built on a flat, stable surface. Keep small parts away from younger siblings.

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

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.

The Card Link Arch

Steps:

Place the paper cup upside down on a flat table.
Pick up two index cards with your helper hand.
Slide a paper clip onto the edges to join the cards.
Repeat this to make a long chain of four or five cards.
Curve the cards over the cup to form a bridge.
Add extra clips to the bottom of the end cards for weight.
Slide the cup out slowly to see if the arch stays up.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the child remains seated at the table and uses only the craft materials.