[Childcare] Playing with scrap materials: Toys you can make from recycled items
Cardboard toilet paper rolls, milk cartons, plastic bottles—there are many kinds of scrap materials that can be repurposed.
Many of you have probably used them as materials for crafts.
In this article, we’ll introduce play ideas for early childhood settings that use scrap materials, as well as toys you can make and play with using them.
At first glance, scrap materials can be hard to figure out how to play with, but that’s exactly why children can use their free imagination to play with them in all sorts of ways.
If you’re thinking of trying some play with children using scrap materials, please use this as a reference and give it a try!
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[Childcare] Play with Recycled Materials. Toys You Can Make from Recycled Materials (21–30)
Anpanman
Here’s a handmade spinning-top idea that’s perfect for kids who love Anpanman.
The charm is that you can make it with materials you likely already have at home, like paper plates and plastic bottle caps! It’s designed so even small children can spin it easily, so why not try making it together with your child? First, create Anpanman’s face slightly smaller than the paper plate.
Next, wrap a plastic bottle cap with vinyl tape to make the nose and fix it at the center of Anpanman’s face.
Also attach another cap to the center on the back of the paper plate.
To finish, stick pieces of sparkly origami paper cut into squares around the edge of the plate, and you’re done! Try other characters too, like Baikinman, not just Anpanman.
rattle
A rattle that could be called a baby’s very first toy.
Let’s try making one with an Anpanman motif.
Prepare something sturdy like a roll from plastic wrap or poster paper, then wrap it with construction paper or colored tape.
Attach the faces of Anpanman characters to the round openings.
Make the faces out of construction paper, and cover them with clear tape so the paper won’t get damaged and the toy will last longer.
Since the core is hollow, put bells or beads inside.
When a child holds and shakes it, it makes a sound and they’ll have fun!
[Childcare] Play with recycled materials. Toys you can make from recyclables (31–40)
Soap bubbles made with a plastic bottle
@n.annlee321 I'll write the usable bottles and additional notes in the comments ☺️✨#tiktok video contest#tiktok classroomLife with children
Classic Medley 2019 – Pianica Magician
You can play without blowing! Enjoy soap bubbles using a plastic bottle.
The key is to prepare a soft plastic bottle that dents with a squeeze.
Cut a hole in the cap with scissors and insert the mouthpiece of a bubble wand into the hole—voilà, it’s ready in no time.
Dip the tip into bubble solution and squeeze the bottle to pump out bubbles.
This is a perfect idea for young children who might have trouble blowing bubbles or for kids who want to practice hand and finger movements.
Playing with clothes
How about incorporating a newspaper clothing activity that nurtures children’s creativity? There’s no fixed way to make the clothes, so kids of any age can enjoy it! They can try all kinds of designs like dresses, skirts, and capes.
You can also make it stylish with tweaks like tying the waist with vinyl tape or cutting and separating sections to create pleats.
Of course, simply cutting holes for the neck and arms will turn it into clothing, so give it a try easily.
Goldfish scooping
If you could do goldfish scooping at home—a game you can usually only enjoy at festivals—wouldn’t that make kids eager to hop in the bath? First, cut a milk carton into long, narrow strips, wrap them with vinyl tape, attach a mesh sink strainer, and you’ve got your scooper (poi).
For the goldfish to scoop, cut goldfish shapes from construction paper and seal them between layers of clear tape so they don’t get wet.
Once both are ready, float the goldfish in the bathtub and let the goldfish scooping begin! If you involve the kids from the goldfish-making stage, it can also boost their motivation since they’ll get to play with a toy they made themselves.
cute glasses
Let’s make stylish, handmade glasses using a toilet paper roll.
First, flatten the cardboard tube and mark it with two different kinds of masking tape.
Next, using the markings as a guide, cut off the four corners with scissors.
Then, along the markings, cut out two sections in the middle.
Turn it over and trim away any excess parts to bring it closer to the shape of glasses.
Restore the flattened tube to its original round shape, adjust it into the shape of glasses, and you’re done.
It will look cute whether you use solid-colored masking tape or patterned tape.
wiggly snake
Even in everyday life, it’s rare to see snakes in the city, isn’t it? So how about making a snake this time using a toilet paper roll? Let’s recreate a snake’s wiggly movement with toilet paper.
All you need are toilet paper rolls, scissors, and pipe cleaners.
Just cut the toilet paper roll to the sizes you need and connect the pieces with the pipe cleaners to finish.
Then add some color, and you’ll have a three-dimensional snake.
Its wriggling motion looks almost like a real snake, so enjoy that curious sensation as you make it!
