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I love getting excited about something new, be it a product, a book or a new song, and wanting to share it with everyone! That's how I feel about this new book, 101 Kids Activities,
In fact, being all about sharing play ideas, the authors are letting me give you a sneak peak into the book - a glider made from an egg carton!
We recently bought a Styrofoam airplane and minutes after it's maiden flight, a piece broke off. Within 15 minutes, totally destroyed. Most store-bought planes aren't sturdy enough to withstand what they're made for - playing! This DIY glider uses household items to make a toy that holds up better and is fun to make too!
What you need: (to make one glider)
- Pencil/marker
- Styrofoam egg carton— an 18-count carton works best, but a dozen will work too
- Scissors
- Colorful tape (optional)
- Heavy-duty binder clip
- Hula hoop (for target practice game)
Using a pencil or marker, sketch your glider design on the Styrofoam egg carton, creating the largest wing span possible (see example). Cut along the lines you created.
Decorate the glider with colorful tape and markers. Affix a binder clip to the front to add weight and stability to the glider.
One player is in charge of moving the target (vertically held hula hoop) and the others throw the planes toward the target. The object is to work together to get the planes to fly smoothly through the hula hoop.
Modifications for Younger Kids
Younger kids will need help with the sketching and cutting of the glider. They can direct the tape placement and decorate with markers. If there are babies in the family, give them the leftover (clean) egg carton pieces to explore and destroy under supervision.
Modifications for Older Kids
Older kids can create a fleet of airplanes, experimenting with different shapes, styles and balances, honing a design that works the best for reaching a target. For older kids who have a younger sibling, increase their challenge by placing the youngest child in charge of the goal. You may end up throwing to a very moving target!
So, there are a lot of kids activities books out there (I think I've read most of them!). Why this book?
- Holly and Rachel keep it simple. These are activities that real moms can do with their kids, with things they likely already have in their house. No need to be crafty, no need to be a chief, no need for anything other than time and an eager child or two (or more!)
- Every activity includes adaptions for younger and older kids. So whatever age you care for, you'll find something here for them.
With a delightful mix of childhood classics and new ideas, this is a go-to reference that you will return to again and again. (I already have been!)
from 101 Kids Activities by Rachel Miller printed with permission of Page Street Publishing, June 2014
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