Playing ‘Pulleys’ is such a great indoor or outdoor activity, and can keep children occupied for hours!
One of my fondest childhood memories is of my sister and I playing pulleys as kids – mostly with one of us in a bedroom (or up a tree) and the other somewhere at ground level. I seem to remember I always managed to hold a static position while my sister did all the running around (haha).
It sounds so simple, and a bit boring, but actually playing pulleys ticks so many boxes, and children love the element of surprise – ‘what will I find in the basket or bag this time?!’
You can also join in – how about sending them picnic items for them to reel in, or a note to come inside and get an ice-lolly?
Perfect for:
Problem-solving
Team work
Hand-eye co-ordination
Co-operation
Imagination
Fine motor
Gross motor
What you need:
Rope or string
Scissors
A vessel of some kind (child’s bag, little bucket or a basket or anything really! As they get older they’ll be able to design a mini hammock to carry tuppaware and bowls instead).
What you do:
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- Tie a piece of rope from post A to post B with your bag or basket threaded through (see the pic).
The longer the distance and the steeper the gradient the more fun it is! From the banisters down to a door handle is a good one or out of a first floor window into the garden ***safety alert older children only or with a parent!****
- Tie a piece of rope from post A to post B with your bag or basket threaded through (see the pic).
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- Cut two more lengths of rope or string the same length as the one from A to B.
Tie these two pieces to the vessel, leaving the two free ends at post A and post B respectively.
- Cut two more lengths of rope or string the same length as the one from A to B.
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- You have one child at post A and one at post B, each with the ability to pull the bag or basket towards them.
Then let them have fun. They can put whatever they like in the basket, the other child pulls it towards them to see what’s inside – you can either put items in the basket or use it to send secret messages. Whatever you like!
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You may also like to see other Crafts & Activities including:
Indoor Or Outdoor Fun With Training Markers
Tape & Crepe
Circle Doodles
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Emily x
This is such a great idea, Monkey would really love this, I am going to see if we can set something similar up – thank you for a great idea #whatevertheweather x
Even simple ones from one chair to another is really good fun! Thank you so much for popping by x
What a great – and simple idea. Don’t think I’ve ever played it but sure will one day ! #whatevertheweather
It’s really fun and keeps the kids busy for aaaaaages!
An amazing idea! I never thought of this before, Trying to think where would be the best place to do this in our garden now. With your basket attached it reminds me of the children’s books about the lighthouse keeper who always got sent his lunch across by his wife via a basket and pulley. We’ll definitely be trying this out!
Thank you very much for linking up! 🙂 x
Oh I haven’t come across that book – can you remember the title? Oooh, you wouldn’t want your lunch tip toppling into the sea before it reached you would you??
This sounds like such a fun game that will keep kids entertained for hours 🙂 #whatevertheweather
Debbie
http://www.myrandommusings.blogspot.com
It really does!! Especially if very occasionally you pop in something unexpected like a little note (good way to get them writing because they then want to write back) or a little treat or snack…. 🙂
This looks like so much fun! Why didn’t o do this as a kid! Will give it ago I know the boys would love it. Thanks for linking up with us on the #bigfatlinky hope to see you there next week
It makes a great science lesson 😉
This is such a brilliant idea! I know my kids of 9 and 7 would love this! It also reminds me of the book, The Lighthouse Keepers Lunch! #sundaystars
I haven’t seen that book – I must look it up! Yes this is great fun – particularly if you can put random treats in the basket when they’re not looking 😉