Paper Cup Tunnels for Imaginative Play!

Guess what I stumbled upon recently? The fact that you can cut paper cups to look like little tunnels. So, obviously, we have been pretty busy around here …

Of course, you already know this if you are in the coolest club around – The Quiet Time Club! You would know about this neat activity because it is one of the quiet time activities for the month of February. This month, like all months, we are using only 5 materials to make quiet bins for the entire month. This month’s materials are:

• paper cups
• popsicle sticks
• pipecleaners
• buttons
• clothespins

So grab those 5 crafting materials and get your cool self over to join us in The Quiet Time Club right here!

Now let me tell you about these cool little tunnels which are an absolutely perfect quiet time invitation.

Begin by cutting out an arch in one side of your cup. Next, do the same thing to the other side. And voila! You have a paper cup tunnel. End of blog post. Ha! Yeah right, I can ramble on and on about these tunnels, just you wait.

If you have older children, they can create these tunnels all on their own at quiet time. You can pop in some pens or markers so windows and doors can be created as well. Or pop in some paper so roofs can be constructed!

Next, play off of your child’s interests and decide if you should add in some train tracks and trains, or popsicle sticks (for roads) with cars. Or play off what you own …

Depending on the age of your child, you might which to set up a little play scene to get your little one started. This is what I did for Norah, who just turned 3. I set her up with a scene and let her go crazy with her imagination. I added in some little people as well, since Norah loves making up squeaky little voices for all her friends. I just knew adding in those friends would help to get her swept away into this land of make believe.

Before I knew it little friends were riding trains, going through tunnels, and having, what I can only imagine, was the time of their lives.

One of my best suggestions for making Quiet Time successful is to think of these quiet time activities as jumping off points. Children don’t need an activity they can play with for a full hour. They simply need an engaging ‘hook’ to draw them in. Once they are settled into quiet and independent play, the play will take on a life of it’s own and evolve.

There is also magic for children in having a special activity prepared just for them. I tell you, quiet time feels a whole lot more special when there is a new and exciting activity waiting.

And those paper tunnels are a whole lot easier to cut when you know there is a whole hour of quiet time waiting for you, too.

Happy Quiet Time, my sweet friend!

xo

Sarah

P.S. Want to join The Quiet Time Club? I still have space waiting just for you. Join me right here: https://www.howweelearn.com/quiettimeclub/