You don't need much to help make the everyday world in your home or garden feel magical to your grandchild.
This fun cardboard telescope activity takes seconds to put together but can create hours of fun.
It's also a great way to introduce your grandchild to words they haven’t heard before. Watch the video below to find out how.
Make sure to use a clean cardboard tube for this activity.
You look.
See whether you can see the birds in the tree. Can you see up there?
That's a special one because that's bigger. That's a big boys one that one is.
I can see the sky!
You can see the sky? Can you see anything in the sky? Apart from clouds?
What do you want? You want a little one? Is that better?
Birds? Where are you? There it is? Where?
Look at the birds in the trees. Have a look through your telescope. What is it? Can you see it? There's the rabbit!
Ask Mr Rabbit, whether he's seen the birdieIs he looking through it as well? Yeah.
Can you see it? Can you see the birdie? Put your telescope on. Look! Can you see him?
What are the benefits of playing with a cardboard telescope?
- Playing with telescopes together is a great way to focus your grandchild's attention.
- Looking through a telescope helps them identify individual objects and link them to words.
- Chatting about what your child is looking at helps them pick up words quicker.
- Asking them an open question allows them to start forming longer, fuller sentences.
- This activity is a simple, easy way to keep grandchildren entertained in the house or out and about.
Pretend play ideas for cardboard telescopes
Imaginary play is a great way to introduce words to a toddler that they might not hear every day. With just a simple cardboard tube, you can go on wild adventures with your grandchildren.
Why not try out some of these scenarios?
- Go on a pretend safari adventure.
- Become an exciting pirate for the afternoon.
- Pretend they are a scientist looking at space.
- Transform into David Attenborough, looking at plants and animals.
- Have a helicopter journey over your town.
The possibilities are endless with this simple toy. The most important thing to remember is to talk to your grandchild constantly throughout play.
Describe what they're doing, ask them questions, give them choices and follow their lead. If you happen to switch from being on the seven seas to flying in a helicopter without rhyme or reason, don't question it.
Keep encouraging that imaginary play - it's really great for their development.
Find out more about the benefits of imaginary play for toddlers.
How to make a cardboard telescope
All you need to make a simple cardboard telescope is a clean cardboard tube.
If you own coloured pencils, pens or any other crafty supplies, you could decorate your cardboard telescope with your grandchild. Doing a creative activity together is another great way to build language.
When your grandchild is older and has developed their motor skills a bit more, you could try making some cardboard binoculars for them.
Check out our instructions on how to make your own binoculars here.
