How to Be a Fake Spy Using Toys

From Sherlock Holmes to James Bond to Harriet the Spy, sleuths have captivated the imagination of kids around the world. Youngsters everywhere are fascinated by the secrecy of gathering information and using it for good--or not-so-good--purposes.
This activity will enable boys and girls to act out their secret agent fantasies in a safe, fun way. It's relatively simple to help any child put together a spy kit using common household objects and toys. In fact, they can usually be amassed in little time. This article serves as a beginner's guide.

Things You'll Need

• Child's stethoscope
• Notepad
• Paper towel tube
• Pen or pencil
• Old clothing and accessories
• Old keys (toy or real)
• String (dental floss, yarn)
• Stuffed animal or doll
• Tote, paper bag, box, gym bag or suitcase
• Toy cell phone

Instructions

1. Find an object which can be used to conveniently tote items from one place to another for the child's sleuthing kit. Anything from an old suitcase to a gym bag will work. Affix a "Top Secret" label onto the kit.

2. Add a notebook and writing utensil to the sleuth kit. Secret agents definitely need something on which to write their findings. Even a small notepad or "sticky notes" will work.

3. Include a child's stethoscope, ostensibly so the young super sleuth can hear conversations through walls or other barriers. If no stethoscope is available, a glass will work just as well in most cases, even a glass that is made of heavier plastic or durable Styrofoam.

4. Use "disguises" in the forms of costume pieces and accessories. Masks, scarves, hats, sunglasses, shoes and jewelry are all fair game. Even old gloves can be useful.

5. Include a child's cell phone (to make important connections with allies), string or yarn (to use as an escape "rope") and old keys (one just might work on a jailer's lock).

Tips & Warnings

• Not all children should be allowed to use certain items. Age-appropriateness needs to be considered at every step.