The Cardboard Coin Slide

The Cardboard Coin Slide

Steps:

  • Adult: Cut a long, narrow rectangle from your cardboard to make a ramp.
  • Use masking tape to attach a paper cup to a table edge as a goal.
  • Ask your child to hold the top of the ramp with their helper hand.
  • Encourage them to use their other hand to pinch a coin at the top.
  • Aim the bottom of the cardboard ramp toward the paper cup target.
  • Release the coin and watch it slide into the cup!
  • Move the cup to different spots to change the angle and challenge level.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child while playing with coins. Coins are a choking hazard. Ensure the cardboard edges are smooth to prevent scratches.

The Vertical Bead Zip-Line

The Vertical Bead Zip-Line

Steps:

  • Tape a large piece of cardboard vertically onto a wall.
  • Cut the paper roll into three small rings using scissors.
  • Tape the rings onto the cardboard in a vertical zigzag pattern.
  • Thread a long piece of yarn through all three rings.
  • Tape the top and bottom of the yarn to the cardboard.
  • Slide one large bead onto the yarn before taping the bottom.
  • Give your child a pipe cleaner to use as a poker.
  • Ask them to push the bead up through each ring.
  • Use the helper hand to keep the cardboard steady.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the cardboard is taped securely to the wall to prevent it from falling during play.

Zigzag Cardboard Explorer

Zigzag Cardboard Explorer

Steps:

  • Use a marker to draw a wide zigzag line across your flat cardboard.
  • Adult: Carefully cut along this line using your scissors to create a narrow slot.
  • Tape the ends of the cardboard to two small boxes so the board is raised.
  • Fold an index card in half and draw a little person on the top part.
  • Slide the bottom half of the index card into the cardboard slot.
  • Hold the board with your helper hand to keep it steady.
  • Use your other hand to slide the character from one end to the other!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child while they are playing with scissors or small cardboard pieces.

Baking Cup Tightrope Balance

Baking Cup Tightrope Balance

Steps:

  • Place two large, heavy boxes about two feet apart on the floor.
  • Use masking tape to secure a long piece of yarn between the two boxes.
  • Make sure the yarn is very taut and about six inches off the ground.
  • Give your child a stack of colorful paper baking cups.
  • Show them how to turn a cup upside down and rest the center on the yarn.
  • Challenge them to place five cups in a row without any of them tipping over!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child to ensure the yarn is used safely and boxes are stable.

The Supine Tape Rescue

The Supine Tape Rescue

Steps:

  • Place two sturdy boxes about two feet apart on a carpeted floor.
  • Stretch several long strips of masking tape between the boxes with the sticky side facing down toward the floor.
  • Press lightweight treasures like ribbons, feathers, and paper clips onto the sticky tape bridge.
  • Ask your child to lie on their back on the floor between the two boxes, looking up at the tape.
  • Encourage them to reach up with one hand to peel a treasure off the tape.
  • Challenge them to use their other hand to hold a basket as they rescue all the treasures!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child to ensure they do not put any small items like paper clips in their mouth.