Fine Motor
Gross Motor
Math & 123s
ScienceToddlersGrade SchoolKindergartnersPreschoolers2 Comments
We’ve put together 4 super simple no-prep activities for kids using a ruler! Basically all you need are rulers, clothespins and balloons!
Simple, easy prep activities, I’m sure is what we all aim to do. Those that take the least amount of time to set up, are great!
If you’d like more activities that are simple, look no further as I have lots of easy prep activities to share with you.
4 Super Simple Ruler Activities for Kids
Believe it or not, here are some super simple activities with an item you probably have stashed away in your office drawer at home. A ruler!
Who would of thought a ruler could be so much fun?
Ruler Number Match-up Activity
To make your own ruler number match-up activity you will need:
- a ruler
- clothespins with numbers written on them
First, write the numbers you would like your child to practice on clothespins.
For my daughter, I used the numbers on the inches side of the ruler (1-12).
Next, have your child match the numbers on the clothespins to the numbers on the ruler.
My daughter was so proud of herself once she completed it that she wanted to do it again.
Not only does this ruler activity work on number sense but also on fine motor skills by clipping the clothespins.
If you’d like more fine motor skills practice, try out these pinching, threading and tracing activities.
Ruler Balloon Bump Activity
Balloons are by far one of my favourite items to use for activities. Kids love them!
So why not add a balloon and a ruler for more fun!
For this activity all you need are balloons and a ruler. That’s all.
To do this activity, have your child use a ruler to try and keep a balloon in the air.
This was so much fun, that I had to join in, too! We giggled together for about 15 minutes!
Definitely a win!
Ruler Chopsticks Gross Motor Game
To make your own ruler chopsticks activity you will need:
- 2 rulers
- balloons
- 2 laundry hampers, large containers or boxes
First, blow up a few balloons and place them in one laundry hamper.
Place the other laundry hamper in a different place in the room.
The object of this activity is to use the rulers as chopsticks to pick up the balloons and transfer them to the other hamper.
Whenever my daughter would drop the balloon she would giggle as the balloon would fly away and she’d have to chase it.
If your kids love trying to carry balloons with objects like a ruler check out this crazy fun balloon race activity!
Ruler Marble Run Activity
My last activity, is a DIY Marble Run.
However, rest assured it may not necessarily work your first go around.
It did take a few minor adjustments but once it was working it was so cool.
For this marble run ruler activity, you will need:
- a ruler
- clothespins
- marbles
- a small container to catch the marbles
- a large bowl, a small box or a stack of books
First, place the clothespins on the ruler at an angle, alternating sides.
Next, place one side on the platform (upside down bowl, box or stack of books) and the other side into a small container.
Now you’re ready for marble fun!
Place a marble at the top of the ruler and watch it bounce down against the clothespins and into the small container.
If the marble doesn’t travel the whole length of the ruler, you may need to make a couple minor adjustments.
This was a great way to add critical thinking and science to our ruler activity.
When my daughter got it working she was so excited. She couldn’t stop placing marbles on the run.
She had a blast!
Go ahead give one or more of these activities a try. Share your experiences with us.
WANT TO SAVE THIS ACTIVITY?
Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox so you can access this activity later! Plus, you'll get simple activities from us every week!
ensualtolerant says
I think we’d all agree that the ideal activities are the ones that need little preparation. Those that can be assembled quickly driving directions are preferable.