SparKits On Demand
Color Sticks
Age Group
Skill Builders
What You'll Need
Cardboard box- i.e shoe box or bigger
4 different colored sheets of paper
4 popsicle/craft sticks
Glue/tape
Scissors
Optional: markers/paint
Let's Begin
- Tape or fold the bottom of your box. If your box is deep, you will want to be sure you have access to the inside in case any sticks go all the way through.
- Cut your colored paper into equal parts to cover the top of your box. Then glue/tape your pieces of paper onto the top of your box.
- On top of each colored section, you will cut 5 slits. These can be randomly placed. You will want to cut your slits about the width of your craft sticks.
- Make sure your craft sticks match the colors of your paper. Tip: If you don’t have colored sticks use paint or color them with marker to match the paper.
- Begin to play. You can start by showing your child the red stick and how it matches the red paper. Then, stick the craft stick in one of the slits. Let her have a try.
CDC Milestones
Curious about your child’s development? All children develop at their own pace, but the Center for Disease Control’s developmental milestones can be a helpful guideline. Here are a few examples:
1-year-old
- Shows fear in some situations
- Puts things in a container, takes things out of a container
- Looks at the right picture or thing when it’s named
18-months-old
- Explores alone but with parent close by
- Can follow 1-step verbal commands without any gestures
- Drinks from a cup
2-years-old
- Shows more and more independence
- Knows names of familiar people and body parts
- Might use one hand more than the other
Additional family resources
Early Learning with ECA
Learning begins at birth. ECA provides foundations for learning, starting with age-appropriate experiences for infants, toddlers, and preschool. ECA also offers a range of family support programs that encourage family involvement with children’s learning.
Free tips and learning games
This free texting service provides quality, developmental information for parents and caregivers of children prenatal to age eight right to your phone. Messages include research-based, age-appropriate content from national experts, along with local updates of events and resources.
Free resources at your library
Your local library has many resources for you as a parent as well as for your child. We encourage you to take advantage of all they have to offer. For an online list of libraries by city, go to publiclibraries.com/state
Find help in your community
Dial 2-1-1 or 1-877-502-0700 for free, confidential, 24-hour information and referral assistance. Trained 2-1-1 Specialists can connect you to local organizations that can assist you with food, housing, health care, transportation, education and more.
Find a library near you...
Use of the materials described above are done so at your own risk and any children interacting with these materials should do so only under close adult supervision.
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