This book is full of crafts projects for kids not old enough
to use tools. The first is a pneumatic car, made of a plastic bottle on wheels,
and powered by a balloon. The
instructions are simple; tape the balloon to the straw, inflate it, and let the
escaping gas drive the car. There’s also a Zen sand garden, made from a box,
which could lead to something bigger. You could get a piece of wood the size of
a knock hockey table and make it portable. The kids can take turns using it,
and make the tools from scrap wood. The drum project is another simple activity
using minimal materials. It uses oatmeal cartoons, string, and sticks to make a
kiddie size drum corps. The kids can decorate the cartons, and then bang away
until it drives you crazy.
Each project is divided like a cookbook recipe. You have the
ingredients (materials,) then the “preheat” which is the prep section, and then
the “bake” where you actually make the project. The drum project, which you can
also do with old tomato and bean cans, is perfect for the rambunctious five
year old. Even better than just the drums, let the kids compose a song about
their favorite children’s book to the tune of Stars & Stripes.
I remember back in second grade, we made puppets out of
socks and cardboard, then turned a shipping box into a stage set and did a
puppet show. In an age of common core standards, it’s important for kids to
have physical activities. These projects are great for kids, especially when
you have a limited budget.
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