Rainy days can become boring for children, especially when they cannot go outside to play for quite a while. Have them make their own fluffy yarn balls that they can use indoors. All you need is four ounces of yarn, cardboard, 12" piece of string, and scissors.
The first thing you’ll need to do is have kids draw a circle 8" in diameter with a compass or protractor. An 8" plate or pie pan will work for a circle pattern also. Draw a 3" circle in the center of the 8" circle. Make two of these circle patterns. For both patterns, cut out the outer circle, cut a slit across one side to the inner 3" circle, and cut the 3" circle out. The pattern will look like a ring.
Roll the yarn into small balls that will fit through the 3" center circle. Place the two patterns on top of each other with the slits on opposite sides from each other. Wrap the yarn around the outside of the cardboard and through the center hole. Continually wrap the yarn around the cardboard ring, keeping the yarn at the center straight. Wrap several layers of yarn around the cardboard.
Holding the yarn through the center hole with one hand, locate the outer edge of the cardboard through the yarn with the other hand. Once you locate the outer edge of the cardboard, carefully cut the outer rim of yarn. Slip the piece of string down between the two cardboard pieces and encircle the cut yarn. Pull the string tightly and tie the ends. This is the most difficult step for kids, so have the pair with a friend to assist with this process of tying the yarn ball.
Carefully remove the cardboard, cut off the long ends of the string, and trim the yarn ball if necessary. Now the kids have their own indoor ball to play with. These yarn balls can be used like beanbags to play indoor basket throw, toss and catch games, and indoor relay games. This kid rainy day activity will keep them busy for hours.
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