The Sparkly Pipe Cleaner Spectacles

The Sparkly Pipe Cleaner Spectacles

Steps:

  • Pick two long pipe cleaners to be the main frames of your glasses.
  • Bend each pipe cleaner into a circle.
  • Twist the ends together to lock the shape.
  • Slide colorful beads onto each circle one by one.
  • Use a small piece of pipe cleaner to connect the two circles.
  • Twist a pipe cleaner onto the side of each circle to make the arms.
  • Bend the ends of the arms to fit over your ears.

Safety Tip:
Beads are a choking hazard. Always supervise your child during play. Ensure the ends of the pipe cleaners are tucked in so they are not sharp.

The Cardboard Castle Squeezer

The Cardboard Castle Squeezer

Steps:

  • Find a large, flat piece of sturdy cardboard to be your castle base.
  • Draw four or five narrow rectangles on the cardboard using your markers.
  • Ask an adult to help you cut out these rectangular slots using scissors.
  • Ensure each slot is slightly narrower than the width of a paper cup.
  • Give your child several paper cups and encourage them to decorate the cups.
  • Show them how to use both hands to squeeze a cup until it is flat.
  • Challenge your child to push the flattened cup through a narrow slot.
  • Once through, the cup will pop open slightly to stay inside the castle!
  • Repeat this until all the castle towers are securely in place.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise children when using scissors. Ensure the cardboard has smooth edges to prevent scratches during the pushing movement.

The Cardboard Whiz Spinner

The Cardboard Whiz Spinner

Steps:

  • Trace a medium circle on a piece of cardboard using a bowl.
  • Cut the circle out using your scissors.
  • Use your markers to draw colorful patterns on both sides of the circle.
  • Use a pencil to poke two small holes near the center of the circle.
  • Thread a long piece of yarn through both holes and tie the ends.
  • Center the circle on the yarn and hold a loop in each hand.
  • Swing the circle in a jump-rope motion to twist the yarn.
  • Pull your hands apart quickly to make the circle spin and hum!

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required when using a pencil to poke holes.

The Magnetic Paper Clip Fish

The Magnetic Paper Clip Fish

Steps:

  • Draw several fish shapes on a flat piece of cardboard using your bright markers.
  • Help your child carefully cut out each fish using the safety scissors.
  • Slide a single paper clip over the nose of every cardboard fish.
  • Take a long paper roll and tape one end of a piece of string to the top.
  • Tie a second paper clip to the loose end of the string to act as the hook.
  • Place the fish on the floor and hold the paper roll with both hands.
  • Challenge your child to lower the hook and link it onto a fish’s paper clip to rescue it!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Small paper clips can be a choking hazard if placed in the mouth. Ensure the string is kept away from the neck area.

The Felt Fish Hook Rescue

The Felt Fish Hook Rescue

Steps:

  • Use your markers to draw 5 small fish shapes on your felt.
  • Carefully cut out the felt fish using your scissors.
  • Cut 5 tiny strips of cardboard, about 1 inch long each.
  • Glue the ends of a cardboard strip to a fish to make a small loop.
  • Repeat this for all 5 fish and place them inside your basket.
  • Take a pipe cleaner and twist one end into a small, sturdy hook.
  • Wrap the other end of the pipe cleaner around your child’s index finger.
  • Challenge your child to hold the basket steady with one hand.
  • Use the finger hook to snag a fish loop and lift it out!

Safety Tip:
Pipe cleaners have wire ends. Ensure the ends are curled inward or covered with tape to prevent scratches.