These twirling ribbon sticks are easy to make with just a stick and a ribbon, Kids will love swinging and swirling their ribbons around as they dance and run in the yard. Add this to your list of simple activities to do in the backyard this summer.
Twirling ribbon? Ribbon stick? Twirling ribbon stick? I’m not exactly sure what they’re called, but they were so easy to make! They’re great for pretend play, princess dress-up and fairy activities!
We were outside, making our Pringles can windsock, and the girls were fascinated by the way the ribbons danced and fluttered on the breeze.
They were having such a great time shrieking and squealing and chasing those ribbons around, it occurred to me they might have a lot of fun with some actual twirling ribbon sticks.
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I had no supplies with me other than the ribbons we were working with, so these ribbon sticks are basic. REALLY basic. They took all of 5 minutes to make.
Ready to see how I made these awesome Twirling Ribbon Sticks?
- Stick
- Ribbon
- Scissors
That’s it, that’s all. Pretty easy, huh?
I grabbed a couple of sticks out of the garden, snapped them to about 10 inches in length, and the girls picked out their ribbons.
I probably tied about 5 ribbons to each stick and each ribbon was different in width and weight. No need to have everything matchy-matchy here.
I tied the ribbons to one end of the sick, and knotted them a few times to secure them. Then I handed them over to the toddlers.
The were amazing! The girls danced and spun and jumped and twirled, they fell down, they hopped up, and they ran around and around in the yard.
What’s so great about twirling a ribbon?
Our twirling ribbon sticks help develop a number a skills:
- gross motor skills (large arm movements)
- balance (spinning while twirling the ribbon stick)
- exercise (running around waving ribbon stick in the air)
- co-ordination (moving stick in a way that makes ribbons flutter)
What a beautiful and fun way to stretch and exercise those little muscles.
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Jackie is a mom, wife, home daycare provider, and the creative spirit behind Happy Hooligans. She specializes in kids’ crafts and activities, easy recipes, and parenting. She began blogging in 2011, and today, Happy Hooligans inspires more than 2 million parents, caregivers and Early Years Professionals all over the globe.
D. Griff
Jackie, you are an inspiration! What awesome, wonderful,exciting ideas you have. I have an in-home day care and I cannot wait to use so many of your posts! Thanks again, Jackie!!
Rebecca Hanson
Some of the best and well remembered activities happen with no advance planning!! I love spur of the moment creativity that seems to work by its own magic!!
Yennie
I’m so excited about finding your blog today. I’m going to go through all your wonderful ideas for kids. You are incredible creative! Thank you so much!
Penny
What a fantastic idea! We have been inspired to include this craft in our blog post ‘It’s a GIRL Thing … 8 Inspiring Craft Ideas’, You can find a copy of the post here – http://www.billylids.com.au/blog/item/18-it%E2%80%99s-a-girl-thing-8-inspiring-craft-ideas.html
Mudpie Mama
I use to absolutely love doing this when I was little! Looks like your girls love it too x
Coombe Mill (Fiona) (@coombemill)
I love these, so very similar to our wands we made this week in Country Kids. I may have to try twirling sticks next!
The mommy talks
Love this! I bet my boys would like it just as much as the girls!
PTmama
Instead of sticks you can tie long ribbons to a couple of shower curtain rings for handles. They’ve worked great with my two young boys. These are so much fun when we are dancing to our favorite music!
Carolyn Lucento
I have been following your ideas for a while and they are always amazing! So fun, usually simple to put together and developmentally delightful! This one is one of my favorites! I teach music classes in Preschools and when we get out the rainbow dancing sticks the children are always happy. Your simple and beautiful make-your-own variation is just lovely. And, your explanation of the benefits for the children is a great bonus. These kinds of movement sticks are great for showing the music elements of “Legato” (smooth, connected notes) and “Staccato” (short, choppy notes) and a good song for that is “We’re floating down the river!”