I was unsure about writing this post … as perhaps it is common knowledge. However, for me it was not common knowledge and I found it totally awesome. This simple activity has also kept my preschooler busy for 3 consecutive afternoons. And any activity that can do that deserves a post to help any Mama out there – common knowledge or not!
This activity came to be over the weekend. On my Sammy’s birthday actually. He took a tumble outside while running down a hill and actually hurt his leg quite badly. It was in fact so sore that he spent most of the day on the couch. We were trying to make the day special, even if he had to stay still, so we were trying different fun games and crafts. John (my husband) got out some toy cars and a screwdriver (as if it were the most normal thing in the world) and sat beside Sammy, letting him unscrew two screws on the bottom of the cars, take the cars apart, and then reassemble them by putting them back together with the screws. I was in SHOCK! I didn’t know toy cars were that easy to take a part and rebuild!! The cars came apart in 2 or 3 pieces! So, if this is not common knowledge for you – please let me explain a little more.
Most toy cars (like fisher price, wooden cars, or even some little metal cars) have two screws in the bottom. The ones that don’t have screws have little metal rivets. You need cars with the screws.
Next, have your little one twist the screws out of the car. The first time you do this you may need to start the screw for the little ones as it is a bit stiff.
Once these screws are out, the toy car easily comes apart in two or three pieces (just be careful not to lose the screws).
Finally, once your little one is done exploring the car, they can simply rebuild it and screw the screws back in!
I love this activity because of its amazing simplicity – but also because of the way it strengthens little hands and is wonderful for fine motor skill. My preschooler has sat focused on this activity for a very long time!
I just love when I stumble upon something that is brand new to me! And my husband loved it too – whenever he comes up with an activity for the kids he asks if it is “blog-worthy” … And this time it finally was!
Sammy is thankfully feeling better – his leg has healed well enough that he is back to his regular shenanigans. Yet surprisingly, when it is time to brush his teeth, it hurts again … so much so that he cannot walk to the bathroom … Odd how that happens.
This is awesome, Sarah! I have never thought to do this, and my son loves using tools, so this will be perfect for him. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
This is a great idea – and sometimes those “common knowledge” ideas are just the ones people forget about! My daughter loves taking this apart but I didn’t think of this one – she’s going to love it!
Thank goodness! I have been searching everywhere for an idea to support my 4 year old’s interest in ‘working’ on cars. He’s temporarily (I hope) bored of building cars from construction kits and wants to play mechanic.
Oh great! So happy to have helped! My little guys switch interests all the time as well, and no lost interests seem to be to permanent. Thank you for taking the time to comment Lyn!
reminds me of when my son was little and used to take apart his star wars action figures and put them back together – sometimes he switched out the arms and legs. Will try this with his daughters. – grandma
That is so funny! I can imagine those action figures would be perfect for Halloween! Ha! Thank you for sharing that memory with me Julie
Where did you find these cars? I’ve been looking everywhere and can’t seem to find any that have only two screws.
Hi Stacy, these cars are Fisher Price I believe.