How to Make a Toy Phone

Kids love to make crafts. This is especially true if the crafts resemble modern day items that grownups use. A toy phone is a popular craft for young kids to make. It simultaneously satisfies the art and science curriculums as it teaches kids how sound waves travel. Follow these steps to learn how to make a toy phone.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Styrofoam cups
• String
• Toothpicks
• Scissors
• Nail

1. Cut a string to any desired length. It should be long enough that the children aren't standing right next to each other when talking into the phone.

2. Take 2 toothpicks and tie one end of a string to each of them. Make sure to fasten the string tightly.

3. Poke a hole into the bottom of a styrofoam cup using a nail. Place the cup, brim down, on a table while doing this. This part should be done by adults only.

4. Push the toothpick and string into the hole and turn it sideways so it's wedged into the bottom of the styrofoam cup. Make sure that the string can't be pulled out.

5. Decorate the toy phone cups as desired. Let the kids get creative and personalize their toy phone.

6. Pull the phones taut and have a child stand at each end of it. One child talks into the cup while the other child holds the cup to his ear and listens. Explain to the children how the sound waves travel down the string.

Tips & Warnings

• Tin cans can be used for this project but isn't advised with young children, as the sharp edges can cut them. If you do use tin cans make sure they have been opened with a child safe can opener that smoothes the edges.