The Ribbon Tail Balloon Catch

The Ribbon Tail Balloon Catch

Steps:

  • Blow up a bright balloon and tie it tightly.
  • Cut four long strips of ribbon using your scissors.
  • Tape the ribbons to the bottom of the balloon.
  • Toss the balloon high into the air.
  • Ask your child to catch the balloon by the ribbons.
  • See how many times they can catch it before it lands!

Safety Tip:
Always watch your child when playing with balloons. Broken pieces are a choking hazard. Throw away any popped balloons right away.

The Cardboard Compass Navigator

The Cardboard Compass Navigator

Steps:

  • Use your scissors to cut a large square out of cardboard for your map base.
  • Draw a colorful landscape with markers including a river and a forest.
  • Glue a craft stick at each edge of the board and label them North, South, East, and West.
  • Use a pencil to poke a tiny hole right in the center of your map.
  • Thread a piece of string through one button and then through the hole in the cardboard.
  • Tie a thick knot on the back of the board so the button stays attached.
  • Ask your child to rest their palm on the cardboard without lifting it.
  • They must use their thumb and index finger to slide the button to different targets.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they are using scissors or small buttons.

The Balancing Cardboard Bird

The Balancing Cardboard Bird

Steps:

  • Draw a large bird shape on a piece of cardboard with your markers.
  • Make sure the bird has wide wings that curve forward past the beak.
  • Use your scissors to carefully cut the bird shape out of the cardboard.
  • Place one coin on the very front tip of each bird wing.
  • Use masking tape to secure the coins firmly to the cardboard wings.
  • Hold the bird by the body and rest the beak on your fingertip.
  • Watch as the bird balances perfectly in the air without falling!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when using scissors. Coins are a choking hazard, so keep them away from younger siblings who might put things in their mouths.

The Button Anchor Wind-Up

The Button Anchor Wind-Up

Steps:

  • Fill an empty milk container halfway with dry rice to make it heavy.
  • Tape the cap shut securely so the rice stays inside.
  • Cut a long piece of yarn, about three feet long.
  • Tape one end of the yarn to the bottom of the milk container.
  • Hand your child a button and show them how to thread the yarn through it.
  • Have your child hold the jug steady with one hand while winding the yarn once around the container.
  • Thread another button and wind the yarn again.
  • Continue until all the buttons are anchored onto the jug!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play as buttons and dry rice are choking hazards. Ensure the jug is on a stable surface to prevent it from falling on little toes.

The Drawbridge Pulley Master

The Drawbridge Pulley Master

Steps:

  • Get a small cardboard box and cut a rectangular door on one side.
  • Leave the bottom of the door attached so it flips down.
  • Poke two small holes at the top of the door.
  • Poke two more holes near the top of the box frame.
  • Thread a piece of yarn through the door and the box.
  • Tape a paper roll horizontally to the top of the box.
  • Tie the yarn ends to the paper roll.
  • Ask your child to twist the roll to lift the door.
  • Use a paper clip to clip the yarn to the box.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required for using scissors to cut the cardboard. Ensure the yarn is stored safely after play to prevent any entanglement risks.