The Brave Cardboard Shield

The Brave Cardboard Shield

Steps:

  • Use your scissors to cut a large, sturdy circle out of a piece of cardboard.
  • Let your child decorate the front of the shield using their favorite colorful markers.
  • An adult should poke two small holes near the center of the cardboard circle.
  • Thread a piece of ribbon through the holes and tie a knot to make a handle.
  • Have your child slide their arm through the ribbon handle and hold the shield tight.
  • Stand a few feet away and gently toss soft pom-poms toward the child.
  • Challenge your child to move the shield to block every single pom-pom!

Safety Tip:
Ensure the play area is clear of furniture to prevent falls while your child moves around to block the pom-poms.

Balloon Blast Ping Pong Path

Balloon Blast Ping Pong Path

Steps:

  • Cut several long strips of cardboard and bend them into U-shaped arches.
  • Use masking tape to stick these arches onto a flat table to make a tunnel path.
  • Place a ping pong ball at the very beginning of the path.
  • Blow up a bright balloon but do not tie the end shut.
  • Pinch the balloon neck tightly with your fingers to keep the air inside.
  • Hold the balloon behind the ball and point the opening at it.
  • Slowly let go of the pinch to release a blast of air.
  • Try to blow the ball through every single cardboard arch to the finish!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they are playing with balloons. If a balloon pops, pick up and throw away the broken pieces immediately. These can be a choking hazard.

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.