Keeping little hands and growing brains busy, particularly when we are out and about, can be a challenge. Of course, you can grab a coloring book or iPad but it’s also fun to have something different on hand. This is when Make and Take packs are ideal. Activities are quick to prepare, easy to pack, and they have multiple play options.

Make and Take Pack: Simple Straw Activity

Not that long ago, I was heading out to meet a friend for coffee and knew conversation would be tricky with El in tow. I had less than 30 minutes before I was due to leave so needed to grab something for my son to play with. Rather than grab the iPad or a familiar toy, I opted to make something new. I grabbed some scraps from my craft box and, in no more than a few minutes, had put together an activity that El wanted to play with again and again. So, it’s time to share with you!

This Make and Take Pack works best when you allow children to play as they like. So, avoid giving instructions or demonstrating. Let your kids decide how to play.

NOTE: Younger children can only play independently for short bursts of time, so you may still need to participate or observe. In other words, I can’t promise these activities will allow you to have an uninterrupted conversation. 😉

Preparation

Making this can be as much fun as playing with it so, if you have older kids, feel free to brighten a rainy day and involve them. If you have younger children, it is probably better to throw it together yourself.

Prep Time

Alone: about 3 minutes

about 3 minutes With kids: about 10-15 minutes (or maybe an hour, if they are enjoying themselves)

Materials

2-5 pom-poms (per child)

2-5 pipe cleaners (per child)

straws (different colors)

scissors (safety scissors if using with children)

small bag or box to store activity in

Instructions

Playtime!

Some of the things kids enjoy with this pack:

threading straws on to PomPom Sticks

taking straws off again

counting straws

matching colors

making patterns

waving the PomPom Sticks

and much more…

Bonus game (for children 5+)

Give each child 3 PomPom Sticks Take turns rolling a dice* Count the dots and thread that number of straws on to the PomPom Sticks Try to fill each stick with 10 straws. The first person to reach 30 is the winner! And… play in reverse: Roll the dice to remove straws. Try to be the first person to get down to zero (obviously, make sure everyone starts with the same number of straws on Pompom Sticks)!

PRO TIP

For quick and fun clean up:

Race children to find all the “red” straws, then all the “yellow” straws until everything is cleaned up.

Don’t forget to check out our Balloon Birds too!

Keep buzzin’

Shopping List (affiliates – help me help you!)

Pompoms! A massive selection. There are smaller packs too if that suits you.

Pipe Cleaners – there are so many kinds out there! Pick whatever you prefer.

Straws – I have demonstrated this activity with plastic straws simply because of their durability. For an environmentally friendly option, you can easily find paper straws (or even use macaroni)!

EDITOR’S NOTE

*The New Oxford Dictionary of English, Judy Pearsall, Patrick Hanks (1998) states that “In modern standard English, the singular die (rather than dice) is uncommon. Dice is used for both the singular and the plural.”