Plastic Fruit Basket Weaving

[30 Minutes]

Looking for something to do with discarded plastic fruit baskets? Show your child how to transform them into decorative containers.

You'll need:

• plastic fruit basket • yarn or thin ribbon in assorted colors • tape

What to do:

1. Cut yarn or thin ribbon into short lengths (18 inches to 24 inches). Tie one end to the plastic fruit basket.
2. Wrap the other end of the yarn with tape to form a stiff "needle."
3. Show your child how to weave yarn in and out of the holes in the basket, pulling up the slack between holes.
4. Invite her to add another color ribbon or yarn. Tie the one your child selects to the first one and challenge her to continue the weaving.
5. As future baskets become available, encourage your child to add small beads or to try a more advanced type of weaving by winding yarn around the basket and weaving through the yarn.

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• What would happen to the yarn if you didn't tie one end to the basket?
• Would you like to give this basket as a gift?
• If you were to give it away, who would you give it to?

Useful information:

While you are having fun together, this activity helps your child develop small muscle skills and eye/hand coordination.