Pool Noodles for Math Practice
Yes, we’re being serious, and this hack is effing cool and we honestly cannot get how no one thought of this when we were at school. To help your kids or students practice fractions, all you need are a few colorful pool noodles.
Just divide the noodles into even pieces depending on the fraction you’d like to demonstrate and write it down on each individual piece. This kinda makes us wish we were in school again. Well, okay, not really but like, almost, and for sure, your kids will enjoy practicing their homework with this more than nothing at all.
DIY STEM Bin
Looking to create a homemade STEM bin for your kids to play with? Here's a super simple, fun way to do it: just cut different colored pool noodles into small pieces (they should end up looking like somewhat foamy, colorful doughnuts).
Add a pile of toothpicks to the mix – and you have yourself the foamy version of building blocks. Just don't forget to warn your kids before you let them play with toothpicks. We have come to the conclusion that the soft toys sold by big brands, are just too expensive and with a little imagination, the same quality, however much cheaper equivalents can be made.
Makeshift Puppet Show Theater
Okay, so this one might require some more crafting skills, but we're fairly certain you can do it despite failing home ec. There is nothing we won't do to make out children happy! In order to create this DIY theater, you will need a tension rod (or two, depending on how fancy you feel) and some fabric for the curtains.
You can buy fabric or simply use the sheet with chocolate stains from that time you had cake in bed and couldn't be bothered to wash it. Mount the rod in the doorway and drape the fabric over it. You can sew the top and cut a hole for the puppets in the middle, or you can cut the whole thing down the middle so it hangs on each side like window curtains.
Tennis Rackets
It's the summer holiday and your kids have been driving you up the walls about the new tennis rackets they just must have. The would can no go on without them having a new pair! Let your unused pool noodles turn into the tennis rackets you never knew you needed! Why? Just because it's SO cool and creative!
All you'll need to turn this dream of a hack into a lovely reality is... pool noodles, recycled plastic nets, and tape. With very little effort, you can turn those everyday things into fine tennis rackets everyone will fall for. Don't forget where you learned about it first.
Tub Product Organizer
Whether you have a kid or you choose to act like one, your bathroom is a minefield of trip-and-fall hazards in the form of toys and other products. If you're not in the mood for falling in the shower and breaking a hip like a common assisted living resident, follow the orders below.
Mount a nice rod on your wall, string some plastic hooks on it, and place small plastic baskets on the hooks. Now, stuff those baskets with whatever items you use in your daily scrub session. You won't mind of your little toddler wants to bring the entire Barbie collection into the bathroom now. There is plenty of room for everyone.