Kid's Favorite String Games

Cat's Cradle

• To play this game you will need two people and a piece of string tied together at the ends. The first person starts by putting her fingers through the string without her thumbs. Next, she should loop the string around each hand. She then puts her middle finger through the loop of the string on the opposite side and pulls on it. Then she puts her other middle finger through the loop on the opposite side and makes a "Cat's Cradle." The cradle should have two parts in the shape of an X.

  The second person puts his thumb and forefinger and both of the X's while pulling the string taut. He then points his fingers downward while holding the X's and scoops them up through the middle. As he completes this, the first person should slide her fingers out of the cradle. The second person ends up with the "Cat's Cradle" in his hands.

Cup and Saucer

• Only one person is necessary for playing this game. Put both of your little fingers and thumbs into the string and hold it taut. Move your right forefinger and pick up the left hand side of the string. Move your forefinger back to its position while holding the string taut. Take your left forefinger and put it through the right hand side of the knot and lift up the string. Move the left forefinger back to its position. Position your thumbs near your forefingers and pick up the forefinger strings with your thumbs. Lift each lower part of the string with your thumbs while leaving the knots in place. You also have the ability to lift it with another finger such as your middle finger. Release your little fingers and pull outwards. Flip your hands over so your thumbs are on top. You can transform this design into the Eiffel Tower by grabbing the middle of the top of the cup with your mouth and releasing your thumbs.

Fishing Spear

• Kids also refer to this game as "The Witch's Broom" or "Turkey's Foot." To begin this game, put each of your thumbs and little fingers into string while holding it taut. Using your right forefinger, pick up the left hand side of the string. Without pulling tightly on the string, return your finger to its starting position. As it moves to its starting position, twist your forefinger 360 degrees, making a knot. Move your left forefinger through the knot on the right hand side and pick up the string on the palm. Release both the right thumb and little finger knots at the same time.