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Directions for String Games

Playing games with string lets a child create a variety of shapes, turning a simple loop of string into something fun. While some string game shapes require advanced moves, a child can get accustomed to making string shapes by learning to produce a ball and cup, a shape used as a foundation for shapes such as stars or a winking eye.

Things You'll Need

Yarn or string, tied in a loop

Instructions

Ball and Cup
- 1
  Hook the string over the thumb and pinkie of both hands and pull your hands apart so the string is tight.
- 2
  Bring you hands together and insert the index finger of each hand under the string stretched between the thumb and pinkie of the other hand, then pull apart. You will be left with a shape featuring a diamond in between two pinkies.
- 3
  Pass each thumb over the strings, making the nearest side of the diamond, then under the strings making the far side of the diamond, and pull your thumbs back down away from your pinkies.
- 4
  Remove the strings originally wrapped around your thumbs from their position around the thumbs. This can be accomplished using each hand to remove the other string or using your mouth to grip the string and pull it over the thumbs.
- 5
  Release the strings wrapped around your pinkie fingers.
The Wink
- 6
  Drape the string over the index and middle fingers of your right hand, with your palm facing you.
- 7
  Grab the left side of the hanging string and wrap it around the index and middle fingers of your right hand, then drape the string over your thumb.
- 8
  Grab the portion of string you wrapped around your fingers and pull it over your thumb.
- 9
  Pick up the first loop that was placed on your thumb and pull it off your thumb so it hangs down.
- 10
  Grab the left side of the hanging string and drape it over your thumb.
- 11
  Stretch out your fingers to open the eye.
- 12
  Pull on the loose string over your thumb to make the eye wink.

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