Material: Pool Noodle

The Noodle Ring Spire

The Noodle Ring Spire

Steps:

  • Roll a large ball of playdough using both hands.
  • Press the ball flat onto the table to make a steady base.
  • Push a wooden stick straight down into the center of the playdough so it stands upright like a pole.
  • Help your child hold the pool noodle steady with their helper hand.
  • Use a plastic safety knife to slice the pool noodle into thick, round rings.
  • Pick up one noodle ring and slide it over the wooden stick.
  • Stack all the rings to build a colorful, wobbly spire!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child closely when they are using a safety knife. Ensure the wooden stick is blunt and handled safely.

Laundry Basket Sailboat

Laundry Basket Sailboat

Steps:

  • Place a large laundry basket on a smooth floor like wood or tile.
  • Have your child sit inside the basket with their legs tucked in comfortably.
  • Give them a long pool noodle to hold with both hands like an oar.
  • Show them how to push the noodle against the floor to move the basket.
  • Encourage them to alternate pushing on the left and then the right side.
  • Use masking tape to mark a start and finish line for the race.

Safety Tip:
Supervise your child to keep the basket from tipping. Make sure the floor is clear of toys that could trip them up.

The Pool Noodle Dinner Prep

The Pool Noodle Dinner Prep

Steps:

  • Place a pool noodle on a flat surface like a table or paper plate.
  • Have your child hold the noodle steady with their helper hand.
  • Hand them a plastic safety knife with their other hand.
  • Show them how to move the knife back and forth in a sawing motion.
  • Encourage them to cut the noodle into small food slices.
  • Once they have a pile of slices, they can serve them on a paper plate!

Safety Tip:
Always use a dull plastic safety knife and supervise your child closely to ensure they use a safe sawing motion.

The Pool Noodle Steamroller

The Pool Noodle Steamroller

Steps:

  • Use masking tape to mark a start and finish line on a soft rug.
  • Place several stuffed animals in a row between the two lines.
  • Give your toddler a long pool noodle to hold with both hands.
  • Encourage them to roll the noodle over the toys while crawling.
  • Have them push down hard to steamroll each fluffy friend.
  • Put the toys in a basket once they reach the finish line.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play to ensure they stay safe. Pool noodles can be a choking hazard if small pieces are swallowed.

The Pool Noodle Penny Bank

The Pool Noodle Penny Bank

Steps:

  • An adult uses a knife to cut several narrow slits into a pool noodle.
  • Use your markers to write point values like 5, 10, or 25 next to each slot.
  • Give your child five coins from a plastic container to hold in their palm at once.
  • Ask your child to move one coin to their fingertips without using their other hand.
  • Challenge them to push the coin firmly into a slot on the pool noodle.
  • Repeat this until all the coins are safely inside the noodle bank!

Safety Tip:
Coins are a choking hazard. Keep them away from younger siblings. Always supervise your child during play.