Tag: velcro

Sticky Figures

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Sticky Figures (6)

Here’s a great way to keep little toddler hands busy… and build muscle strength!

I set up this game the night before for Veronika, using hot glue to attach the scratchy side of Velcro strips onto a piece of flat wood (about 5×7 inches). The Velcro strips were already sticky on one side, but the hot glue was extra insurance that they would stay put.

Sticky Figures (1)

I then glued the opposite side of the Velcro (the fuzzy side) to the bottom of little animal toys and figures.

Sticky Figures (2)

This game will work best with toys that have a nice flat bottom, although I did try little dinosaur figures, too.

Sticky Figures (5)

Now it was simply a matter of presenting the game to Veronika! She loved the way the animals became stuck once attached.

Sticky Figures (3)

I had worried that she would be frustrated at the challenge of pulling them off, but instead she seemed intrigued. She soon learned to pull down on the wood and up on the figure at the same time to help the two Velcro halves apart.

Sticky Figures (4)

In sum, this is a nice game for keeping little hands busy, although I can’t say it occupied her for as long as other recent projects.

Sticky Figures (7)

Hit the Target

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Hit the Target (6)

With a little set-up in advance, this is an easy game to help fill a dreary winter day indoors!

While Veronika was napping, I used a hot glue gun to affix Velcro squares (the scratchy side) to several soft golf balls.

Hit the Target (1)

Next, I cut a few simple shapes from felt, like circles, hearts, and triangles. If you’re feeling more ambitious, cut teddy bears or other animal shapes, too! I then used hot glue to attach these to a recycled piece of cardboard.

Hit the Target (2)

When she woke up, I showed her how to toss the balls towards the felt, at which point they stick! She was fascinated.

Hit the Target (5)

It was hard for her to get the concept of putting the balls on herself, preferring to hold the golf balls instead of releasing her grip.

Hit the Target (3)

But she did like pulling them off the Velcro, no doubt intrigued by the tug of resistance.

Hit the Target (4)

I’m going to keep this game around since it’s one that will grow with her. The felt shapes provide a little early learning, and she’ll be able to approach the game differently as her tossing skills improve.