The Paper Plate Pulley

The Paper Plate Pulley

Steps:

  • Use the hole puncher to make one hole in the middle of your paper plate.
  • Tape the paper plate to the top of a stable door frame using masking tape.
  • Thread your string through the hole you made in the plate.
  • Use the hole puncher to make two small holes near the rim of your paper cup.
  • Tie one end of the string through the holes in the cup to make a handle.
  • Fill the cup with a handful of beans to act as cargo.
  • Stand below the plate and pull the loose end of the string to lift the cup.
  • Try to lower the cup slowly to the floor without letting it drop or crash!

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required when using long pieces of string to prevent a strangulation hazard.

The Card Link Arch

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.

The Cup Ring Connector

The Cup Ring Connector

Steps:

  • Use markers to draw three colorful dots around the rim of each paper cup.
  • Hold the cup steady with your helper hand while you use the hole puncher.
  • Squeeze the puncher hard to make a hole right on top of each marker dot.
  • Take a pipe cleaner and slide it through a hole in the first cup.
  • Slide the other end of the pipe cleaner into a hole in a second cup.
  • Twist the ends of the pipe cleaner together to lock the cups together!
  • Keep adding more cups and pipe cleaners to build a long, bendy cup train.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child while using a hole puncher to prevent finger pinches. Check pipe cleaner ends for sharpness before play.

The Winding Cup Runner

The Winding Cup Runner

Steps:

  • Use your scissors to poke a small hole in the center of the paper cup’s bottom.
  • Cut a long piece of yarn, roughly ten to fifteen feet in length.
  • Thread one end of the yarn through the hole in your paper cup.
  • Use masking tape to secure the starting end of the yarn to a stable chair.
  • Wind the yarn through the room, looping it around furniture to create a twisty path.
  • Tape the other end of the yarn to a final destination, like a door handle.
  • Challenge your child to slide the cup along the yarn from start to finish!

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Keep the yarn path clear of sharp corners. Never leave long yarn pieces unattended to prevent accidents.

The Index Card Pincer-Flip

The Index Card Pincer-Flip

Steps:

  • Use your markers to draw a large dot on one side of ten index cards.
  • Place the cards on a table with the dots facing down.
  • Have your child use their thumb and index finger to flip one card at a time.
  • They should quickly name the color and place the card into the cup.
  • Challenge them to flip all the cards using only their non-dominant hand.
  • Try to beat a personal speed record to keep it exciting!

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is recommended. Ensure the child remains seated at the table to focus on the fine motor movements.