This week, the children were challenged to make a toy for a baby. We looked at some existing baby toys and noticed that many were colourful, noisy and/or had an interesting texture. The children drew their designs and then used the materials in the workshop to come up with their prototypes.

Several children made rattles with bottles, beans and a bright cover but, when we tested them, we were concerned that the beans came out. Arlo correctly identified that this was a “choking” hazard and we went back to the workshop to make the seals more secure. Rana made a marble maze but we discovered that the pompom ran off the bottom so we found a box with higher sides to contain the pompom. Moosa’s paper doll had arms that made an appealing rustling sound but we decided that the baby might easily tear them so we secured some cellophane that rustled into secured fabric so a baby could enjoy the sound and texture of a rustle bag safely. Wednesday chose to add colourful bits of pipe cleaner and water to her bottle to entertain her baby for longer than an original idea of a sticker on the outside. Well done, everyone, on working together to design, make, evaluate and improve your toys. I wonder if you can design and make a toy or game for yourself to play at home?