Material: Pencil

The Pencil Top Target Spin

The Pencil Top Target Spin

Steps:

  • Use a small bowl to trace a circle onto your cardboard.
  • Carefully use scissors to cut the circle out.
  • Let your child draw a bright spiral pattern on the circle using markers.
  • Push the pencil tip straight through the center of the cardboard circle.
  • Make sure the cardboard fits snugly near the bottom of the pencil.
  • Lay your butcher paper flat on the floor and secure it with masking tape.
  • Use your markers to draw three nesting target circles on the paper.
  • Hold the pencil top with your thumb and first two fingers.
  • Twist your fingers quickly to spin the top onto the target circles!

Safety Tip:
Ensure the pencil tip is not overly sharp to prevent accidental pokes during the spinning motion.

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.