Needle Tubes

Step 1

Prepare the Tubes

• Cut the Straws: Use scissors to cut the straws into small pieces, around 1-2 inches in length. These pieces will act as the "tubes".

• Smooth Edges: Ensure the edges of the straw pieces are smooth to avoid any sharp parts that could harm the child.

Step 2

Prepare the Thread and Needle:

Cut a piece of thread, around 12-18 inches long, and thread it through the eye of the needle. Tie a knot at the end of the thread to prevent it from slipping through the straw pieces.

Step 3

Set Up the Tray

• Place the Straws in the Bowl: Put all the cut straw pieces into the bowl. This bowl will be the container for the "tubes".

• Place on the Tray: Set the bowl with the straw pieces on the tray. Place the threaded needle beside the bowl.

Introducing the Activity to Your Child

Demonstrate the Activity

Show the child how to carefully pick up the needle and thread it through a straw piece. Explain that the goal is to thread as many straw pieces as they can.

Show your child only the "Highway." Do not reveal additional methods to him and let him explore the activity on his own.

Encourage Exploration

Try to minimize intervention and let the magic happen. Even if the child performs the activity differently from how you demonstrated, let him explore and discover all the possibilities the activity has to offer.

Practice and Play

Allow your child to practice the activity at their own pace.

Extend the Learning

To add a layer of challenge, depending on the child's age, if they are capable of threading the needle themselves, encourage them to do so.

Safety Note

Supervision: Always supervise young children while they are using the needle to ensure they handle it safely. You can use a plastic needle to prevent accidental stabs.