The Cardboard Key Turn Challenge

The Cardboard Key Turn Challenge

Steps:

  • Find an empty shoe box and use your markers to draw a small keyhole circle on one side.
  • Help your child use the scissors to cut a narrow slit right through the center of that circle.
  • Open the box and press a large lump of playdough firmly against the inside wall behind the hole.
  • Close the lid and use your markers to decorate a craft stick to look like a colorful magic key.
  • Ask your child to hold the box steady with one hand while they aim the key into the hole.
  • Challenge them to push the stick into the playdough and twist it back and forth like a key!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they are using scissors to cut the cardboard. Make sure the playdough stays inside the box and is not put in the mouth.

The Paper Plate Time Teller

The Paper Plate Time Teller

Steps:

  • Write the numbers 1 to 12 around the edge of the plate.
  • Cut two long, narrow arrows from your cardboard piece.
  • Make one arrow shorter than the other.
  • Use your scissors to poke a tiny hole in the center of the plate.
  • Poke a hole in the bottom of both cardboard arrows.
  • Slide a paper clip through the arrows and the plate hole.
  • Bend the paper clip ends to hold everything together.
  • Challenge your child to spin the hands to show a specific time!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they use scissors. Ensure the paper clip is handled carefully. Keep all small parts away from the mouth.

The Paper Roll Pincer Squeezer

The Paper Roll Pincer Squeezer

Steps:

  • Use your scissors to cut several empty paper rolls into small rings about one inch thick.
  • Let your child decorate each ring with colorful patterns using the markers.
  • Adult Step: Cut four narrow vertical slots into a flat piece of sturdy cardboard base.
  • Ask your child to use their thumb and pointer finger to squeeze one paper roll ring until it is flat.
  • Challenge them to slide the flattened ring into a slot on the cardboard base to make it stand up.
  • Continue squeezing and sliding more rings into each other to build a tall and wobbly sculpture!
  • Encourage your child to use their helper hand to hold the base steady while the other hand adds new pieces.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child while they are using scissors. Make sure the cardboard edges are smooth to avoid any small scrapes during play.

The Paper Cup Catch-It

The Paper Cup Catch-It

Steps:

  • Use the scissors to cut a piece of string about two feet long.
  • Tape one end of the string to the side of the ping pong ball.
  • Tape the other end of the string inside the bottom of the paper cup.
  • Ask your child to hold the cup by the handle or the rim.
  • Swing the ball into the air and try to catch it inside the cup!
  • Challenge them to see how many times they can catch it in a row.
  • Try using the non-dominant hand for an extra challenge!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. The string should be kept away from the neck at all times. Ensure the ball is not aimed at others.

The Cardboard Shutter-Bug Camera

The Cardboard Shutter-Bug Camera

Steps:

  • Help your child cut a square hole in the middle of a sturdy cardboard piece.
  • Decorate the front of the camera with colorful markers and fun lens designs.
  • Tape a drawing of a funny face or animal behind the hole on the back.
  • Take two index cards and place them over the hole on the front side.
  • Tape only the far left and far right edges of the cards to the cardboard.
  • Ask your child to use their index fingers to pull the doors open from the center.
  • They can see the hidden photo and then push the doors shut again!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child while they use scissors. Make sure the cardboard edges are smooth to prevent any small scratches.