The Beaded Cup Wind Chime

The Beaded Cup Wind Chime

Steps:

  • Use your markers and stickers to decorate the outside of your paper cup with bright colors.
  • Help your child hold the cup steady while they use the hole puncher to make four holes around the rim.
  • Cut four pieces of string, each about six inches long, using your scissors.
  • Show your child how to thread one string through a hole and tie a simple knot to secure it.
  • Ask your child to pick up a bead and slide it onto one of the hanging strings.
  • Continue adding beads until the strings are full, then tie a knot at the bottom of each one.

Safety Tip:
Beads are a significant choking hazard. Always supervise your child closely during this activity and keep small parts away from younger siblings.

The Foil Texture Rubbing

The Foil Texture Rubbing

Steps:

  • Use your glue to stick a few coins, buttons, and dry leaves onto a flat piece of cardboard.
  • Wait for the glue to dry so the objects are firmly in place.
  • Tear off a sheet of aluminum foil large enough to cover the cardboard.
  • Place the foil over the objects and use your ‘helper hand’ to hold the edges down firmly.
  • Use your dominant hand to gently rub your fingertips over the foil until you feel the shapes beneath.
  • Pick up a crayon and use the side of the tip to rub across the raised areas of the foil.
  • Watch as the detailed textures of the coins and leaves magically appear on the shiny surface!
  • Use your markers to add colorful details around the textured prints you created.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is recommended to ensure the edges of the foil are handled gently. Make sure all glue is dry before applying the foil.

The Stocking Bean Bag Rescue

The Stocking Bean Bag Rescue

Steps:

  • Place one bean bag into the toe of a long stocking.
  • Hold the top of the stocking with your helper hand.
  • Use your dominant hand to find the bean bag through the fabric.
  • Use your fingers to pinch and push the bean bag up the leg.
  • Slide the bag all the way to the top opening.
  • Take the bean bag out and switch hands to try again!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Check the bean bag for any tears or loose beads before starting.

The Foil Pan Bead Toss

The Foil Pan Bead Toss

Steps:

  • Place the aluminium foil pan on a flat table or a waterproof surface.
  • Fill the pan about halfway with cool water to create a shallow pond.
  • Ask your child to stand a few steps away from the pan.
  • Give them a handful of colorful beads to hold in one hand.
  • Challenge them to toss the beads one by one into the water pan.
  • Once all the beads are in the water, give your child a spoon.
  • Ask them to use their dominant hand to scoop up one bead at a time.
  • Have them carefully carry the bead on the spoon to a nearby bowl.
  • Try to see how fast they can rescue all the beads from the pond!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during water play to prevent any accidents. Beads are a significant choking hazard, so keep them away from children who still put objects in their mouth.

The Foil Pancake Button Press

The Foil Pancake Button Press

Steps:

  • Tear off a large sheet of aluminum foil using both of your hands.
  • Encourage your toddler to crumple the foil into a flat, thick pancake shape.
  • Place the foil pancake inside the aluminum foil pan or onto a piece of cardboard for stability.
  • Give your child a handful of colorful buttons from your collection.
  • Ask them to use their pointer finger and thumb to pick up one button at a time.
  • Challenge your toddler to press each button firmly into the surface of the foil pancake.
  • Watch as the foil wraps slightly around the edges to hold the buttons in place!

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: Buttons are small and pose a risk. Always supervise your child closely during this activity. Ensure all buttons are put away safely once you are finished playing.