Paper Plate Axle Twist

Paper Plate Axle Twist

Steps:

  • Use your markers to divide the paper plate into four colorful wedges like a pizza.
  • Ask an adult to help you use scissors to cut a small X in the center of the plate.
  • Tape one end of your paper roll horizontally to a wall at your child’s eye level.
  • Slide the paper plate onto the paper roll using the hole you made.
  • It should be able to spin freely like a wheel!
  • Use a marker to draw a small arrow on the wall right next to the plate.
  • Challenge your child to twist the plate to match a specific color to the arrow.
  • Ask them to use one hand, then try with the other hand to get both arms working!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Ensure the paper roll is taped securely to the wall to avoid it falling.

Styrofoam Bolt Builder

Styrofoam Bolt Builder

Steps:

  • Lay a flat Styrofoam block on your table.
  • Use markers to draw a simple robot or house shape on the top.
  • Poke several small holes along the lines of your drawing using a pencil.
  • Pick up a long bolt and push it through one of the holes.
  • Reach under the foam with your other hand.
  • Use your fingertips to find the end of the bolt without looking.
  • Twist a nut onto the bolt until it is tight against the foam.
  • Repeat this for every hole until your structure is full of metal parts!
  • Stack a few wooden blocks on the bolts to see what you can build.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Small nuts and bolts are a choking hazard. Ensure the pencil used for poking holes is handled safely.

The Cardboard Key Turn Challenge

The Cardboard Key Turn Challenge

Steps:

  • Find an empty shoe box and use your markers to draw a small keyhole circle on one side.
  • Help your child use the scissors to cut a narrow slit right through the center of that circle.
  • Open the box and press a large lump of playdough firmly against the inside wall behind the hole.
  • Close the lid and use your markers to decorate a craft stick to look like a colorful magic key.
  • Ask your child to hold the box steady with one hand while they aim the key into the hole.
  • Challenge them to push the stick into the playdough and twist it back and forth like a key!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they are using scissors to cut the cardboard. Make sure the playdough stays inside the box and is not put in the mouth.

The Galaxy Bead Spinner

The Galaxy Bead Spinner

Steps:

  • Fill a plastic bottle halfway with water.
  • Drop ten colorful beads into the water.
  • Use a marker to draw a target circle on the outside of the bottle.
  • Wrap masking tape around the cap and the neck to seal it shut.
  • Ask your child to hold the bottle in the middle with a firm grasp.
  • Challenge them to twist their wrist back and forth quickly.
  • The goal is to make the beads spin and touch the target circle.
  • Repeat until they are an expert at making tornadoes!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during water play. Ensure the bottle cap is sealed tightly to keep the beads safe.

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.