Yarn Ring Orbit Slider

Yarn Ring Orbit Slider

Steps:

  • Use markers to draw a bright yellow sun in the very center of your paper plate.
  • Use the hole puncher to click four holes around the outer rim of the plate.
  • Use scissors to cut two pieces of yarn, each about twelve inches long.
  • Have your child slide three colorful beads onto each piece of yarn.
  • Push the ends of the yarn through the opposite holes to create two crossing tracks.
  • Secure the yarn ends firmly to the back of the paper plate using masking tape.
  • Ask your child to hold the plate steady on the table with their helper hand.
  • Use the pinching fingers of their other hand to slide the beads along the tracks from orbit to orbit!

Safety Tip:
Supervise your child closely when they are handling scissors, small beads, or yarn. Store all small pieces safely out of reach after play to prevent any choking hazards.

The Pencil Top Target Spin

The Pencil Top Target Spin

Steps:

  • Use a small bowl to trace a circle onto your cardboard.
  • Carefully use scissors to cut the circle out.
  • Let your child draw a bright spiral pattern on the circle using markers.
  • Push the pencil tip straight through the center of the cardboard circle.
  • Make sure the cardboard fits snugly near the bottom of the pencil.
  • Lay your butcher paper flat on the floor and secure it with masking tape.
  • Use your markers to draw three nesting target circles on the paper.
  • Hold the pencil top with your thumb and first two fingers.
  • Twist your fingers quickly to spin the top onto the target circles!

Safety Tip:
Ensure the pencil tip is not overly sharp to prevent accidental pokes during the spinning motion.

The Cardboard Yarn Harp

The Cardboard Yarn Harp

Steps:

  • Use scissors to cut a large rectangle from your cardboard.
  • Cut a square out of the middle to make a frame.
  • Let your child decorate the cardboard frame using bright markers.
  • Tape one end of a piece of yarn to the back of the frame.
  • Wrap the yarn around the frame to create several harp strings.
  • Secure the other end of the yarn with masking tape.
  • Ask your child to hold the frame steady with their helper hand.
  • Challenge them to squeeze and clip clothespins onto the yarn strings.
  • Encourage them to cross their arm over to clip the opposite side!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they are using scissors. Ensure the cardboard edges are smooth to prevent minor scrapes.

The Finger Puppet Road Trip

The Finger Puppet Road Trip

Steps:

  • Use scissors to cut a small strip of construction paper, about two inches long.
  • Wrap the paper strip around your child’s index finger to make a cozy ring puppet.
  • Use your markers to draw a silly smiley face on the paper puppet ring.
  • Take a large piece of cardboard and draw a winding, curvy road across it.
  • Place several colorful stickers at different points along the curvy cardboard road.
  • Have your child hold the cardboard flat with their helper hand to keep it steady.
  • Slide the paper puppet onto your child’s index finger of their dominant hand.
  • Ask them to tuck their other three fingers and thumb tightly into their palm.
  • Challenge them to walk their puppet along the road, stopping to press each sticker!

Safety Tip:
Supervise your child closely while they are using scissors to cut the paper strip. Ensure the cardboard has smooth edges to prevent any minor scrapes.

The Balloon Tongs Catch

The Balloon Tongs Catch

Steps:

  • Blow up a bright balloon and tie it securely.
  • Place an empty basket on the floor across the room.
  • Give your child a pair of sturdy tongs to hold.
  • Toss the balloon gently into the air for them.
  • Challenge your child to squeeze and catch the balloon using only the tongs.
  • Have them carry the balloon carefully and drop it into the basket.
  • If the balloon drops, they must start over from the beginning.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Discard any popped balloon pieces immediately to prevent a choking hazard.