Tinker Toys are a classic toy that will never go out of style. While playing with tinker toys, your children will learn problem-solving and planning as they build creative structures. They will learn principles of physics and engineering as their structures fail and then become sturdier. They will learn through trial and error and they will be able to create completely unique structures. If you don’t have tinker toys at home, don’t despair! You can make your own with just a few simple items.
Supplies You Will Need:
paper tubes cut into different lengths
straws (plastic or paper, cut into different lengths)
paper hole-punch
scissors
empty thread spools
What To Do:
Begin by cutting your paper tubes and straws so that you have a variety of lengths.
Use the paper hole-punch to punch holes in your tubes. Make them at different heights so your straws can reach through without running into each other.
Cut some slits at the end of your tubes for another way of linking them together.
Now you are ready to start building with your new tinker toys. Keep these in a bin to use over and over again. Add new items that you think will be useful for building your creations!
Above, you can see a traditional tinker toy creation, alongside the homemade tinker toy project. With the ability to make your own holes in the tubes, you have even more possibilities for your construction. What can you design today?