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 Sticky Tab Treasure Hunt

The Sticky Tab Treasure Hunt

Steps:

  • Tape the sturdy cardboard piece flat onto the table.
  • Use the markers to draw fun circles on the cardboard.
  • Place one colorful sticker inside each of the drawn circles.
  • Cut your index cards into smaller squares to cover the stickers.
  • Tape the top edge of each square to the board to make a door.
  • Fold a small piece of tape over the bottom edge of the card.
  • Make sure a little bit of the tape sticks out like a handle.
  • Ask your child to use their pinching fingers to pull the tab.
  • They will find a hidden sticker surprise under each door!
  • Encourage your child to use their other hand to hold the board.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Small stickers and tape pieces can be a choking hazard. Keep all materials away from the mouth.

The Paper Roll Pincer Squeezer

The Paper Roll Pincer Squeezer

Steps:

  • Use your scissors to cut several empty paper rolls into small rings about one inch thick.
  • Let your child decorate each ring with colorful patterns using the markers.
  • Adult Step: Cut four narrow vertical slots into a flat piece of sturdy cardboard base.
  • Ask your child to use their thumb and pointer finger to squeeze one paper roll ring until it is flat.
  • Challenge them to slide the flattened ring into a slot on the cardboard base to make it stand up.
  • Continue squeezing and sliding more rings into each other to build a tall and wobbly sculpture!
  • Encourage your child to use their helper hand to hold the base steady while the other hand adds new pieces.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child while they are using scissors. Make sure the cardboard edges are smooth to avoid any small scrapes during play.

The Paper Cup Catch-It

The Paper Cup Catch-It

Steps:

  • Use the scissors to cut a piece of string about two feet long.
  • Tape one end of the string to the side of the ping pong ball.
  • Tape the other end of the string inside the bottom of the paper cup.
  • Ask your child to hold the cup by the handle or the rim.
  • Swing the ball into the air and try to catch it inside the cup!
  • Challenge them to see how many times they can catch it in a row.
  • Try using the non-dominant hand for an extra challenge!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. The string should be kept away from the neck at all times. Ensure the ball is not aimed at others.

The Ziplock Air Launcher

The Ziplock Air Launcher

Steps:

  • Cut a small rectangle of construction paper and wrap it around a straw.
  • Use a tiny piece of masking tape to secure the paper into a tube.
  • Tape one end of the tube shut to create the rocket nose.
  • Slide the straw into the corner of a Ziplock bag.
  • Seal the bag and use tape to make the opening airtight.
  • Place the paper rocket over the end of the straw.
  • Use both hands to give the bag a fast squeeze to launch the rocket!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Ensure the paper rocket is not aimed at faces or people.