Now, at first look you might think this activity is NOT an ideal quiet time activity for preschoolers. I get that, what with it being a slingshot and all, but hear me out.

First things first, we are using pompoms, so it’s not a loud activity and really those pompoms don’t go all that far. It actually makes an awesome quiet time activity and meets all my (incredibly strigent) criteria:

It is incredibly engaging, drawing those little ones deeply into a time where they can play independently. 

It has minimal set up and prep.

Little bodies stayed relatively quiet and still, allowing rest.

The cleanup is a breeze, as long as you only include a few cotton balls

And it is even educational! A few elastics of different lengths and widths clipped to the sides of the bin with clothespins and there is loads of learning happening.

So I am indeed deeming this a Quiet Time activity. It has my personal Quiet Time Queen seal of approval (which of course is ridiculous, but that is how I roll).

For this quiet time activity I cut some elastics in half. I wanted to use elastics of various widths, so my little one could play with thick elastics and thin elastics with this slingshot. I then added some clothespins and the all important pompoms.

The clothespins worked surprisingly well to secure those elastics on. My 4 year old could do this all on his own and successfully use the sling shot without the elastics falling off. Of course, if this is a challenge, you could always use duct tape to secure the various elastics on.

Children will come up with all sorts of games for this activity! I like to leave quiet time activities nice and open ended, allowing creativity to take over for my child. You could add in a few additional supplies to spark some additional ideas though, if your child is new to quiet time and needs a bit more support. 

Perhaps you could add a plastic cup to have your child try to slingshot the pompoms into!

This activity is actually found within one of my Quiet Time eBooks, Dollarstore Quiet Bins: Nine dollarstore items, 30 brilliant Quiet Bins. 

If you are just starting out on your Quiet Time journey, either of my 2 Quiet Time eBooks (Dollarstore Quiet Bins (above) or A Year of Educational Quiet Bins (below)) are a wonderful place to begin.

As well, I would love you to join me in my Quiet Time Club! This monthly membership is the place to be! We have hot tea, warm showers, calm kids, and a whole hour to ourselves everyday. Check it out right here:

I hope you get a few moments of quiet today friends! Thank you so very much for reading.

xo

Sarah

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