Pretending to be a teacher, newscaster or singing star is more than just fun for our kids. Imaginative or pretend play is an important part of a child’s educational development. By trying on different roles, children can expand their vocabulary, practice language skills and build their self esteem.
Just like handing someone a play phone encourages them to talk, handing your child a play microphone may bring out his inner Jerry Seinfeld or Beyonce. Or, host your own karaoke or “open mike” night and encourage your entire family to play along, singing or telling jokes.
Here’s an easy kid-friendly tutorial to make a play microphone using materials you already have on hand. No batteries required!
Supplies:
Empty Paper Towel Tube
Scissors
Aluminum Foil
Newspaper
Paint, stickers or glitter
Glue
Directions:
- Using scissors, cut the empty paper towel tube down to approximately 7 inches.
- Tear off four sheets of aluminum foil – each approximately 12 inches wide.
- Crumble the first sheet of aluminum foil into a ball. Add sheets of aluminum foil on top, forming it into an ice cream cone shape that’s approximately 2.5 inches long (see photo).
- Decorate the paper towel tube using craft materials. Keep it simple with paint, or go nuts with stickers, ribbons or glitter. Allow to dry.
- Stuff crumpled pieces of newspaper into the tube to give it stability. Fill the entire paper tube, leaving about an inch of space at one end.
- Spread glue inside the paper towel tube and insert the aluminum foil cone. Allow to dry.
For more microphone fun, here’s a link to a great tutorial featured on iVillage to make microphone-shaped cupcakes – perfect for a star-themed birthday party, or to accompany your family’s “open mike” night.
Link: http://www.ivillage.com/how-make-karaoke-birthday-cupcakes/6-a-297981
