During the summer holidays, one of the most heard phrases amongst parents is 'I'm bored', with children across the world showing their feelings. With many kids having up to six weeks off school, that leaves them with an incredible amount of free time. This means that parents have to come up with various ideas to entertain their children. This can be tough and gruelling with little resources or imagination but it needn't be with the right amount of preparation.
A lot of children tend to spend a lot of time indoors nowadays, however when the weather is nice they should be encouraged to go outside. People respond positively to natural light and children are no different. An activity that blends this with arts and crafts is making wind chimes. It is quite simple and children of different ages will be able to take part.
First, you will need to gather some hollow wood like sumac or elderberry. If you're unable to find any in your garden, you may have to visit your local park. Using your imagination, you can turn the collection of materials into an adventure for your children, improving observation skills and working as a team to create something. The number of chimes you want to have will determine how much wood will need to be collected, so keep this in mind when on the hunt.
After collecting the wood, you will have to cut each piece to the length you desire, and this should be somewhere between a few inches to six or seven at most. Children should be kept at a safe distance whilst the cutting is taking place to avoid any accidents. Using a tool like a hand saw is ideal for this task, although other sharp implements can be used if necessary.
After cutting the individual pieces, using a straightened coat hanger; you will have to push the pith out of the centre to make it hollow. Your children may be able to help with this task but it would depend on their age. The next task can involve children of all ages and that is the issue of peeling off the bark from each piece.
Following this, small holes will need to be inserted for string. For softer wood, you will be able to use a wired coat hanger again but for harder wood, you may need to use a screw. The holes should be of the same distance from the end and should be no further than a centimetre away. After placing holes in each piece, string must follow. This will allow you to attach the pieces to a longer branch from which they can hang from. The last task would be to then attach another piece of string to each end of the branch allowing you to hang your wind chimes from a suitable fixture.
By Paula T Hanson
A lot of children tend to spend a lot of time indoors nowadays, however when the weather is nice they should be encouraged to go outside. People respond positively to natural light and children are no different. An activity that blends this with arts and crafts is making wind chimes. It is quite simple and children of different ages will be able to take part.
First, you will need to gather some hollow wood like sumac or elderberry. If you're unable to find any in your garden, you may have to visit your local park. Using your imagination, you can turn the collection of materials into an adventure for your children, improving observation skills and working as a team to create something. The number of chimes you want to have will determine how much wood will need to be collected, so keep this in mind when on the hunt.
After collecting the wood, you will have to cut each piece to the length you desire, and this should be somewhere between a few inches to six or seven at most. Children should be kept at a safe distance whilst the cutting is taking place to avoid any accidents. Using a tool like a hand saw is ideal for this task, although other sharp implements can be used if necessary.
After cutting the individual pieces, using a straightened coat hanger; you will have to push the pith out of the centre to make it hollow. Your children may be able to help with this task but it would depend on their age. The next task can involve children of all ages and that is the issue of peeling off the bark from each piece.
Following this, small holes will need to be inserted for string. For softer wood, you will be able to use a wired coat hanger again but for harder wood, you may need to use a screw. The holes should be of the same distance from the end and should be no further than a centimetre away. After placing holes in each piece, string must follow. This will allow you to attach the pieces to a longer branch from which they can hang from. The last task would be to then attach another piece of string to each end of the branch allowing you to hang your wind chimes from a suitable fixture.
By Paula T Hanson
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