Parenting 

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Kaleidoscope

Assembling the kaleidoscope is a fun activity for older children to do by themselves. With a little assistance, small children can also participate and will enjoy the end result of looking through the kaleidoscope at the different colours and shapes.

What this activity will develop:
Science and thinking skills

What you'll need:

• Can with lid and silver interior
• Scissors
• Lightweight cardboard
• Two small mirrors
• Glue
• Polystyrene tray
• Tape
• Clear plastic
• Sequins, glitter, buttons, coloured cellophane
• Decorative adhesive paper

Setting up:
Make sure this activity is supervised by an adult.

1. Cut the bottom from the can.
2. Cut a sheet of cardboard that when folded in a V-shape will fit inside the can vertically.
3. Glue the two mirrors onto one side of the cardboard.
4. Fold the cardboard into a V-shape, with the mirrored side facing in.
5. Place the cardboard in the can.
6. Cut a circle from the polystyrene using the can lid as a pattern. Cut a hole about the size of a 10p in the centre of the circle. Tape the circle to the top of the can to make the eyepiece.
7. Cut a circle from the clear plastic and a narrow ring from the polystyrene using the lid as a pattern. Fit the polystyrene ring inside the lid.
8. Place the small objects in the lid. Place the plastic circle on top and tape it so that the edges are secure.
9. Tape the lid onto the bottom of the can.
10. Cover the can with decorative paper.

What to do:

1. Face a window or another source of light and look through the hole into the can.
2. Show your child how the objects will form moving patterns as the can is turned. Ask your child to observe the different shapes and colours. Does she see rectangles? Triangles? Trapezoids?
3. Shake the can to arrange the objects in a new way.

 

Select more skills:
• Listening Skills
• Math Skills
• Motor Skills Help
• Science Fun
• Reading Skills
• Vocabulary Builder

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