[Childcare] Playing with scrap materials: Toys you can make from recycled items

drop-in box toy

[1 year 2 months] Handmade Toy by a Nursery Teacher Mom: Anpanman Drop-in Box

Let’s make a drop-in toy that makes a fun sound when pieces fall in.

The base is an empty milk can.

Cut a hole in the lid to create the entry for dropping pieces.

Next, decorate the can with felt or other materials.

It would be lovely to make the round lid look like Anpanman’s face, too.

Once the can is ready, make the pieces to drop.

You can do this by combining two plastic bottle caps—simple! Its straightforward design makes it easy and appealing to try.

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Tambourine made from scrap materials

[Childcare/Arts & Crafts] Let’s make a tambourine that makes sounds! [Upcycled materials]

Shake it! Tap it! Enjoy the sounds! Here’s a tambourine idea made from recycled materials.

You’ll need a flat round box, six jingle bells, chenille stems (pipe cleaners), and a tool for making holes such as an awl.

First, make holes at six evenly spaced points around the round box.

Next, cut the pipe cleaners into six pieces, thread a bell onto each one, and attach them through the holes in the box—and you’re done.

Since there’s a risk of injury when making holes or handling the pipe cleaners, be sure to work together with a parent or teacher.

Playing bus with newspaper handles

[For 1-year-olds] Let's make it and play together! How to make a steering wheel!

Let’s make newspaper handles for playing bus pretend! Ordinary newspaper transforms into a steering wheel.

Stack several sheets, roll them up, shape them into a circle, and decorate with vinyl tape—done! Teachers and caregivers can prepare them in advance, or make them together with children depending on their age.

Use the handles you made and play along with the song “Basugokko no Uta” (Bus Pretend Song)! This activity is especially recommended for kids who love vehicles, so be sure to give it a try.

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Cube puzzle made from a milk carton

[Easy Handmade Puzzle] Let’s Make a Puzzle with a Milk Carton ♪ [Also Great for a Stamp Rally ♪]

Let’s try making a cube puzzle using a milk carton! First, open up the carton and cut it horizontally to make three strips, each 6.5 cm wide.

Next, use double-sided tape to stick two different colors of construction paper onto the cut carton pieces.

Tape two of the strips into loops, and then thread the remaining strip through those two loops before taping it into a loop as well.

Finally, decorate with your favorite stickers or drawings, and you’re done.

You can enjoy looking at the different designs on each face and repeatedly fitting pieces together—there are lots of ways to play.

It’s sure to positively support children’s fine motor skills and brain development!

Paper popper game

[How to Make a Paper Popgun] // How to make a Popgun

How about making a paper popper out of newspaper and having some fun? It works best with large sheets like newspapers or flyers, so give it a try! Fold the newspaper like origami to make a triangular paper popper.

Depending on the child’s age, they can make it on their own, or together with a teacher or guardian.

Once it’s finished, you can pop it over and over! Please be mindful that some children may be sensitive to loud noises or sudden impacts, and take special care when playing.

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You can enjoy matching pictures too! A plastic bottle toy

Finger Skill Development: Handmade Toy with a Plastic Bottle for Toddlers

Here’s an idea for a PET bottle toy that’s perfect for educational play.

First, prepare several plastic bottles.

Next, cut each bottle at about one-third from the top.

Then, insert a piece of thick paper with a character drawn on it into the open section.

Finally, stick a sticker of the same character on the bottle cap, and it’s complete.

Kids can enjoy opening and closing the caps and matching the character designs.

Using caps in different colors makes it look colorful and extra cute.

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