[Childcare] Play with Toilet Paper! A Collection of Craft and Play Ideas
Toilet paper and toilet paper rolls are easy to get, so many teachers may be thinking about using them in childcare activities.
If you can expand your repertoire of games, you can enjoy various activities with the children.
However, some teachers may be worried that the play can become repetitive because the materials are so simple.
So this time, we’ve gathered ideas for games that use toilet paper and toilet paper rolls!
All of these ideas are safe and fun, so please use them as a reference.
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[Childcare] Play with Toilet Paper! A Collection of Craft and Play Ideas (1–10)
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.
Starry Sky Light
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.
airplane
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.
[Childcare] Playing with Toilet Paper! A Collection of Craft and Play Ideas (11–20)
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!
Wiggly snake
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.
Hoppy Frog
How about making a springy, hopping frog out of a toilet paper roll—the bouncy motion is addictive! First, paint the toilet paper roll.
Acrylic paint is recommended because once dry, it’s waterproof and less likely to rub off on your hands.
Next, cut slits to create the legs.
If children are making it, draw guide lines to make cutting with scissors easier.
Stick on eyes with stickers and draw the nose and mouth to finish.
You can also expand the play by making a pond or grassy area out of construction paper, or by adapting the craft into other insects like grasshoppers!
Snail made from a paper tube core
Let’s make a snail using a toilet paper roll! You only need one roll, so it’s easy to do at preschools, kindergartens, or at home.
First, cut out the body part.
Next, use the remaining roll to make two loops; roll one of them tightly to create the shell.
Finally, make a slit in the shell piece and attach it to the body to complete the snail.
Draw eyes, a mouth, and shell patterns to make it cute.
It’s a perfect craft idea for rainy days or the rainy season.