Cosmic Pincer Star Weave

Cosmic Pincer Star Weave

Steps:

  • Cut a large, sturdy square out of your cardboard using the scissors.
  • Use your markers to draw a large, bright star in the very center of the cardboard.
  • Decorate the area around the star with small planet and galaxy stickers.
  • Use the hole puncher to create a ring of holes all the way around the outside edge of your cardboard square.
  • Cut a long piece of yarn and wrap a small bit of masking tape around one end to make a stiff ‘needle.’
  • Tape the other end of the yarn securely to the back of the cardboard.
  • Challenge your child to ‘weave’ the shooting star by pushing the yarn through a hole from the back to the front.
  • Have them pull the yarn across the center star and push it into a hole on the opposite side.
  • Continue this crisscross pattern until every hole has been used and the star is caught in a colorful yarn web!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they are using scissors or a hole puncher. Ensure the yarn length is safe for play and collected after the activity.

The Vertical Bead Zip-Line

The Vertical Bead Zip-Line

Steps:

  • Tape a large piece of cardboard vertically onto a wall.
  • Cut the paper roll into three small rings using scissors.
  • Tape the rings onto the cardboard in a vertical zigzag pattern.
  • Thread a long piece of yarn through all three rings.
  • Tape the top and bottom of the yarn to the cardboard.
  • Slide one large bead onto the yarn before taping the bottom.
  • Give your child a pipe cleaner to use as a poker.
  • Ask them to push the bead up through each ring.
  • Use the helper hand to keep the cardboard steady.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the cardboard is taped securely to the wall to prevent it from falling during play.

Baking Cup Tightrope Balance

Baking Cup Tightrope Balance

Steps:

  • Place two large, heavy boxes about two feet apart on the floor.
  • Use masking tape to secure a long piece of yarn between the two boxes.
  • Make sure the yarn is very taut and about six inches off the ground.
  • Give your child a stack of colorful paper baking cups.
  • Show them how to turn a cup upside down and rest the center on the yarn.
  • Challenge them to place five cups in a row without any of them tipping over!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child to ensure the yarn is used safely and boxes are stable.

The Beaded Plate Hair Stylist

The Beaded Plate Hair Stylist

Steps:

  • Use your markers to draw a silly face on the paper plate.
  • Squeeze the hole puncher to make holes around the top of the plate.
  • Cut pieces of yarn and tie one through each hole for hair.
  • Give your child a bowl of beads to hold.
  • Ask them to slide the beads onto the yarn strands.
  • Tie a small knot at the end of each piece of yarn.

Safety Tip:
Beads are a significant choking hazard. Always supervise your child during this activity and keep all small materials out of reach of younger siblings.

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.