How to Do a 3D Square With Straws and String

You need four straws to make a square.

Preschoolers learn best by using all their senses. Even children who are too young to draw a square can help you tie four straws into a square. They can count the straws and measure the straws against each other to see that they are all the same length. They also can watch as you thread a string through the straws and form them into a square. They can play with the resulting lightweight 3D model of a square to learn the shape.

Things You'll Need

• 4 Drinking straws
• 3 feet string
• Craft scissors
• Heavy needle with large eye

Instructions

1. Cut four drinking straws to 6 inches long.

2. Thread a heavy needle with 3 feet of string. The needle makes it easier to drop the string through the straws.

3. Thread four straws onto the needle and string. Remove the needle and tie the ends of the string together so that the straws form a square. Cut off excess string.

Tips & Warnings

• Needles are a choking hazard for children who still put things in their mouth.