[Childcare] Play with Toilet Paper! A Collection of Craft and Play Ideas

toy syringe

It’s sure to become a super popular toy! Let’s make a syringe out of toilet paper rolls.

By sliding two toilet paper rolls together, you can mimic the motion of a real syringe, so kids are likely to be totally absorbed in play.

Because there are many fiddly, detailed steps, it’s recommended that a childcare worker makes it.

If you’re making it as a classroom toy, prepare several so every child can enjoy it to their heart’s content.

To allow repeated play, make it sturdy and durable so it won’t break easily.

It’s a wonderful idea that brings to mind children happily playing doctor.

hole threading

Practice threading strings♪ A hole-threading activity made with toilet paper rolls

Let’s make a lacing toy that’s perfect for developing finger dexterity and concentration! It’s very easy to make.

Wrap different colored tapes around a toilet paper roll, then cut along the width of the tape to create rings.

Once you have lots of colorful rings, fold each ring in half and punch a hole in the center to finish.

If you wrap tape around the tip of the backpack cord you’ll use for lacing, it will be easier to thread through the holes.

Children can enjoy this toy from around two and a half years old, but adjust the hole size and ring width according to their age and development.

If you style it to look like The Very Hungry Caterpillar or dango (sweet dumplings), it can further boost kids’ motivation to give it a try!

cute glasses

[Upcycled Craft] How to Make Cute Glasses with Toilet Paper Rolls [Easy DIY]

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.

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Starry Sky Light

Create a cute starry sky with lights: a simple craft using toilet paper rolls!

How about making a mini planetarium using toilet paper rolls? Have the children use sponges to color the rolls.

Using shades like navy and blue to create a gradient will give it a space-like feel.

Since they’ll be painting the entire surface, it’s a good idea to have disposable gloves ready in case paint on hands becomes an issue.

Once the paint is dry, the teacher will poke holes with a needle.

These holes will let light through, so keep the final effect in mind as you work.

After making the holes, shine a light from below.

It would also be nice to dim the lights in the classroom and enjoy a little viewing session together.

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airplane

Creation: Easy Scrap Material Play (Toilet Paper Roll Edition) [Daycare/Kindergarten]

How about making airplanes out of toilet paper rolls and having everyone fly them for fun? The method is very simple! You can make them just by cutting slits into a toilet paper roll with a utility knife or scissors.

It’s also nice that you don’t need any special materials besides the roll itself.

Since making the slits is difficult for children, have the teacher handle that part.

Then, work with the children to draw freely on the wings and create original airplanes.

It’s an idea you can enjoy both indoors and outdoors.

Wiggly snake

Let's make a wiggly snake with a toilet paper roll core!

Let’s make a snake toy with a unique wiggly motion.

Prepare three toilet paper rolls and cut each one in half.

Take one of the six pieces, cut it open, fold it in half, and crease it.

Open it up, then fold both sides toward the center crease, and round off the four corners.

Use this as a template: wrap it around the remaining roll pieces and cut them all to the same shape.

Of the six pieces, you can cut open two to become the head and tail.

Punch holes in each piece, thread chenille stems (pipe cleaners) through to connect the body segments, and paint them in your favorite colors to finish! Connecting the segments and drawing designs are easy tasks for kids, too.

Besides a snake, it would be fun to try making different animals like dogs or cats.

Chochin Obake

Perfect for summer! Let’s make a cute lantern ghost with a chomping mouth.

The steps are very simple.

First, cover an entire toilet paper roll with red origami paper, then add black origami paper to the top and bottom of the roll.

Next, cut a slit across the middle.

Some toilet paper rolls can be quite stiff, so please have the caregiver/teacher handle the cutting.

Finally, attach the eyes and tongue to finish.

If you add a handle and make it like a little bag, it’s great for a test-of-courage game or a festival play booth.

Make them with the kids and liven up your summer events!