How to Make Binoculars With Cardboard Tubes
Need a fun way for kids to explore the world around them while they practice spatial words? Make DIY binoculars with materials commonly found at home. This fun craft is also an excellent way for your child to explore spatial relationships (how an object is located in space in relation to another object).
Learning Goals
In this activity, your child will:
- Identify positions of objects and people in space
- Describe the relative positions of objects in their environment
- Learn about spatial concepts of position, location, and directionality
Materials
- 2 recycled toilet paper rolls or cardboard tubes
- Markers, paint or construction paper
- String, yarn, or ribbon
- Scissors or hole puncher
- Glue or tape
Vocabulary
- Spatial sense allows children to describe objects and the relationships between objects and places. Spatial words (like over, under, beneath, above, across, and through) help children build vocabulary to describe the position and location of objects.
- Perspective refers to how and where we see objects on a plane relative to each other. Your perspective of an object's position may differ from another person's if they are in a different location.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Decorate the rolls. First, decorate the toilet paper rolls in a fun, colorful design! You can decorate by using markers to draw fun designs and patterns or by using paint (make sure to let it dry). You can also cut construction paper to cover the rolls and cut out shapes to add on top.
2. Attach the rolls. Use glue or tape to attach the sides of the rolls together. If using glue, wait for the glue to dry.
3. Add a strap. Use a hole puncher or scissors to cut two small holes, one hole on the side of each roll. Cut a string long enough to secure the binoculars around your child's neck and tie the ends of the string to each hole.
4. Explore with your binoculars. Go outside, look through your binoculars and ask your child, "What do you see?" Use spatial words to describe the features of objects in space (e.g., curvy, tall) as well as where objects are in position to one another (e.g., next to, to the left of, above) or how things move (e.g., up, down, out).
- Look for something far away — a house, a dog, or a fire hydrant.
- Describe its location. "What's next to it? What's in front of it? What's behind it? What is halfway between you and that object?"
- Now walk a few steps closer. "Is the object still far away? Or is it closer now that your position changed?"
- Look for something near. "What's on top of it? What's below it?"
Keep the Conversation Going
- Create a map to show how to exit your home. Add directions like cross the living room or take five steps and turn right. Help your child understand adding directions can make their map more meaningful.
- Watch how a family practices spatial words during cleanup time. Learn how children's spatial sense begins to develop and how you can help them expand it.
Book Suggestion
"Albert Is NOT Scared" / "Alberto NO tiene miedo" (Ages 4-5), written by Eleanor May and illustrated by Deborah Melmon.
The story of Albert, the little mouse, and his adventure at the Amusement Park will help your children understand directions and spatial sense.
Corresponding Standards
California Preschool Learning Foundations
- Geometry
Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework
- Geometry and Spatial sense
- Goal P-MATH 10. Child explores the positions of objects in space.
Common Core Math Kindergarten
- Geometry
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.G.A.1 Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
