Activity:
Make a Moon Winder
Whirling patterns dance on the spinning wheel of a moon winder. Similar to the bird-in-a-cage spinning toy popular in Victorian times, this easy-to-make moon winder delights its users with its spinning movement that creates beautiful designs in the air with each flick of the wrist. Your preschooler can complete this simple craft with just a little help from you. All you need to get started are a few materials from around the house: a plastic lid, construction paper, art supplies, glue, and a bit of twine.
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What You Need:
- Plastic lid from a cottage cheese carton or large container of yogurt
- Colored construction paper
- Markers
- White glue
- Scissors
- Craft knife
- Twine or string
What You Do:
- Help your preschooler trace two circles onto the construction paper using the plastic lid, then cut them out.
- Have your child decorate the paper circles as she likes. Spiral patterns, lines, and spots work well, but anything goes.
- Help your child glue one paper circle onto each side of the plastic lid to create your moon.
- Poking a hole through plastic can be dangerous so this step is for an adult to do. Use the craft knife to make two holes in the center of the moon, positioned like the holes in the center of a two-hole button.
- Help your child cut a piece of twine two to three feet long and thread it through the moon's holes. Knot the twine to form a large loop.
- Now it's time to wind up the moon. With the moon in the center of the loop, twirl the twine like you would turn a jump rope. Once the twine is twisted, pull your hands apart, then bring them back together. Continue bringing your hands out and in, out and in as if you are playing an accordion.
- Give your child a turn! She may need help getting started, but with a little practice she'll soon be a moon winder pro.
