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.

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.