Wrist Extension

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.

Under-Table Starry Night

Steps:

Draw many colorful dots across a flat piece of cardboard using your markers.
Use a pen to poke a small hole through the center of every dot.
Find a stable low table and tape the cardboard to the underside with masking tape.
Help your child lie down on their back underneath the table.
Hand them a pile of Q-tips to hold in their helper hand.
Challenge them to push a Q-tip into every star hole they see above.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the table is stable and the area is clear of hard objects. Always supervise your child while they are lying under the furniture.

The Button Anchor Wind-Up

Steps:

Fill an empty milk container halfway with dry rice to make it heavy.
Tape the cap shut securely so the rice stays inside.
Cut a long piece of yarn, about three feet long.
Tape one end of the yarn to the bottom of the milk container.
Hand your child a button and show them how to thread the yarn through it.
Have your child hold the jug steady with one hand while winding the yarn once around the container.
Thread another button and wind the yarn again.
Continue until all the buttons are anchored onto the jug!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play as buttons and dry rice are choking hazards. Ensure the jug is on a stable surface to prevent it from falling on little toes.

The Drawbridge Pulley Master

Steps:

Get a small cardboard box and cut a rectangular door on one side.
Leave the bottom of the door attached so it flips down.
Poke two small holes at the top of the door.
Poke two more holes near the top of the box frame.
Thread a piece of yarn through the door and the box.
Tape a paper roll horizontally to the top of the box.
Tie the yarn ends to the paper roll.
Ask your child to twist the roll to lift the door.
Use a paper clip to clip the yarn to the box.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required for using scissors to cut the cardboard. Ensure the yarn is stored safely after play to prevent any entanglement risks.

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.