Preview draft. Activities have not been tested with caregivers.
Paper · The activity desk
Three-link paper snake
Make a short pretend snake from three linked paper loops.
Let's play →
A little plan for play
Open interactive activity →Add to play journal →What you need
Three full sheets of paper, child-appropriate crayons, and tape.
Age: 3–5 years; choose for the individual child.
Stay with the child throughout. Check the space and supplies, including anything within reach of younger siblings. Skip any activity that is unsuitable. Stop if a child puts non-food material in their mouth or becomes distressed. Use intact books, full sheets of paper, a large child-appropriate crayon and a clean, dry towel. Follow product labels; remove torn paper and keep broken crayons and caps away from children. Adult handles and stores supplies.
Set up: Fold each sheet lengthwise into a wide strip.
Adult's role: Help fold and tape the loops, and stay beside the child.
Let's make it happen
- Decorate the folded strips with stripes or spots. Draw a snake face near one end of the first strip.
- Curve the first strip into a loop with the face showing outside. An adult tapes its ends together.
- Pass the next strip through the first loop and tape its ends into a second loop. Repeat once to add the third link.
Make it simpler: Make two linked loops together.
Clean up: Collect the loops and put away crayons and tape.
Adult supervises tape and play. Keep the short chain away from necks and mouths; never wear it.