The Pencil Power Reel

The Pencil Power Reel

Steps:

  • Cut a piece of string about three feet long.
  • Tape one end of the string to the pencil.
  • Tape the other end inside a paper cup.
  • Fill the cup with beans for weight.
  • Hold the pencil with both hands.
  • Extend arms straight out in front.
  • Twist the pencil to wind the string.
  • Watch the cup lift toward the pencil.
  • Twist backward to lower the cup safely.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the cup is not too heavy to prevent wrist strain.

The Ribbon Twirl Spinner

The Ribbon Twirl Spinner

Steps:

  • Use the pencil to carefully poke a hole right in the center of the paper plate.
  • Push the pencil through the hole until the plate is near the eraser end.
  • Use several small pieces of masking tape to secure the plate to the pencil so it doesn’t wobble.
  • Cut four or five long strips of colorful ribbon using your scissors.
  • Tape one end of each ribbon strip to the edge of the paper plate.
  • Have your child hold the pencil handle with one hand while using their other hand to spin the plate.
  • Watch as the ribbons wrap around the pencil like a colorful twister!
  • Challenge them to spin it the other way to unwrap the ribbons.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they are using scissors or a pencil to ensure they stay safe.

The Spinning Ribbon Wand

The Spinning Ribbon Wand

Steps:

  • Cut three colorful ribbons into two-foot lengths.
  • Wrap the ends of the ribbons around the top of a craft stick.
  • Secure the ribbons tightly with a piece of masking tape.
  • Ask your child to hold the stick in their dominant hand.
  • Encourage them to twist their wrist to make the ribbons spiral.
  • Challenge them to draw big circles in the air with the wand.

Safety Tip:
Supervise your child at all times when using long ribbons to avoid entanglement. Keep scissors out of reach after the ribbons are cut.

The Secret Keyhole Drop

The Secret Keyhole Drop

Steps:

  • Cut a narrow slot in a piece of cardboard using your scissors.
  • Use your markers to draw a treasure chest or a door around the secret slot.
  • Tape a craft stick to the edge of a large button to create a key handle.
  • Ask your child to hold the cardboard upright with their helper hand.
  • They must twist their wrist to align the button with the slot to push it through.
  • Try making the slot horizontal or vertical to change the wrist movement.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required when using scissors and small buttons to prevent any choking hazards.

Plate Tilt Button Slide

Plate Tilt Button Slide

Steps:

  • Use a piece of masking tape to make a small tunnel on one side of the paper plate.
  • Place two colorful buttons on the plate.
  • Ask your child to hold the plate with both hands.
  • Challenge them to tilt the plate back and forth.
  • They must guide the buttons so they slide through the tape tunnel.
  • Try to see how many times they can slide the buttons through without them falling off.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Buttons are small objects and pose a significant choking hazard for young children. Ensure all materials are used only as intended.