Blog

We think it’s important to provide useful resources for early years practitioners, childminders, and parents in terms of sustainability – and this series aims to bring you easy crafts and activities that will teach children about sustainable living. 

Getting children involved with nature is always valuable for their development, and what better way than to make their own cardboard binoculars to play with outside? This simple craft is fun and sustainable, allowing children to play creatively and gain some understanding of nature when using the binoculars in the garden or local park. 

Safety First!

Make sure to use child safe glue for this activity.

Cardboard Binoculars

What you’ll need:

• 2 cardboard tubes
• 4 strips of coloured card 
• Twine 
• 3 coloured paper straws 
• Glue 

Method:

1. Glue 2 cardboard tubes together to form binoculars. 
2. Once dry, glue 2 strips of coloured card around the binoculars at the top and the bottom. 
3. Poke 2 holes in the top of the binoculars to thread your twine through. 
4. Cut a length of twine that will fit around a child’s neck safely. 
5. Thread one end of the twine through the binocular and tie and knot to secure in place. 
6. Cut the paper straws into small pieces – then thread them through the twine in alternating colours to create a funky ‘chain’. 
7. Once done, tie the other end of the twine through the remaining hole and tie to secure. 
8. Head outside and enjoy identifying different foliage and insects! 

Join us next week for another sustainable early years activity, and if you try this out, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram @ConnectChildcare. Have you seen our other garden themed activities? We have a FREE Gardening Activity Guide ideal for spring weather and sensory development.