Material: Pencil

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.

The Rainbow Tissue Windmill

The Rainbow Tissue Windmill

Steps:

  • Use your scissors to cut two straws into four-inch lengths.
  • Lay the straws across each other to form a perfect X shape.
  • Place a small piece of masking tape in the center to hold them.
  • Cut four small squares of colorful tissue paper using your scissors.
  • Tape one tissue square to the very end of each straw arm.
  • Use the pencil tip to poke a hole through the center tape.
  • Push a pipe cleaner through the hole you made.
  • Slide one bead onto the pipe cleaner on each side of the straws.
  • Wrap one end of the pipe cleaner around a pencil to make a handle.
  • Twist the other end into a small loop to keep everything in place.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is recommended when using scissors and the pencil to poke holes. Ensure the beads are handled carefully.

The Ribbon Twirl Spinner

The Ribbon Twirl Spinner

Steps:

  • Use the pencil to carefully poke a hole right in the center of the paper plate.
  • Push the pencil through the hole until the plate is near the eraser end.
  • Use several small pieces of masking tape to secure the plate to the pencil so it doesn’t wobble.
  • Cut four or five long strips of colorful ribbon using your scissors.
  • Tape one end of each ribbon strip to the edge of the paper plate.
  • Have your child hold the pencil handle with one hand while using their other hand to spin the plate.
  • Watch as the ribbons wrap around the pencil like a colorful twister!
  • Challenge them to spin it the other way to unwrap the ribbons.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they are using scissors or a pencil to ensure they stay safe.

The Cardboard Whiz Spinner

The Cardboard Whiz Spinner

Steps:

  • Trace a medium circle on a piece of cardboard using a bowl.
  • Cut the circle out using your scissors.
  • Use your markers to draw colorful patterns on both sides of the circle.
  • Use a pencil to poke two small holes near the center of the circle.
  • Thread a long piece of yarn through both holes and tie the ends.
  • Center the circle on the yarn and hold a loop in each hand.
  • Swing the circle in a jump-rope motion to twist the yarn.
  • Pull your hands apart quickly to make the circle spin and hum!

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required when using a pencil to poke holes.

The Paper Roll Marble Plunge

The Paper Roll Marble Plunge

Steps:

  • Use a marker to draw three small ‘X’ marks on the side of your long paper roll.
  • Have an adult help you poke a small hole through each ‘X’ mark using a pencil tip.
  • Push one craft stick through each hole so it stretches all the way across the inside of the tube.
  • Wrap a piece of masking tape over the bottom of the paper roll to seal it shut tightly.
  • Stand the roll upright inside a plastic container and drop five marbles into the top of the tube.
  • Slowly pull the bottom craft stick out and listen for the marbles to drop to the next level.
  • Remove the remaining sticks one by one until all the marbles are resting on the bottom tape.
  • Peel the tape away to let the marbles plunge into the container for a grand finale!

Safety Tip:
Marbles are a major choking hazard. This activity is for school-age children, but always keep marbles away from younger siblings.