Clothesline Capers

Why

Kids sparkle with this laundry list of great stories. Keep reading together and creating more Clothesline Capers as children improve their literacy skills.

Steps

1. Read a favorite book. Two good ones for this project are The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash and Mrs. McNosh Hangs Up Her Wash.

2. Draw pieces of laundry and clothing, such as towels, tops, and dresses, on construction paper with Crayola® Erasable Colored Pencils. Cut out with Crayola Scissors.

3. Retell the story by writing on one side of the cut-outs. Adults can write words that younger children request. Record the sequence of events, or retell your favorite parts of the book. Decorate each piece of laundry.

4. Cut ribbon a bit longer than the width of a large sheet of construction paper. Drape it from corner to corner so that it looks like a clothesline. Glue the ribbon in place with a Crayola Glue Stick.

5. Glue the laundry (in story order) on the ribbon clothesline.

Safety Guidelines

Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project. Observe children closely and intervene as necessary to prevent potential safety problems and ensure appropriate use of arts and crafts materials. Some craft items, particularly beads and buttons, are potential choking hazards for young children. Avoid use of such small parts with children younger than 3 years. Craft items such as scissors, push pins and chenille sticks may have sharp points or edges. Avoid use of materials with sharp points by children younger than 4 years. Read all manufacturers' safety warnings before using arts and craft supplies.

Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.

String-Like Materials—Includes string, raffia, lacing, yarn, ribbon, and other similar material. Children 3 years and younger should not be given any string-like material that is longer than 12 inches. Close adult supervision is essential whenever children use string-like material. When crafts are to be worn around the necks of children 8 years and younger, attach the ends of the “string-like material” with clear adhesive tape, which allows easy release of the bond if the craft becomes entangled or caught on equipment. For children older than 8 years, the ends of the “string-like material” may be tied and knotted.

Related Crafts

Crafts

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Supplies

crayola supplies
  • Erasable Colored Pencils
  • Glue Sticks
  • Blunt-Tip Scissors
  • Construction Paper
household supplies
  • ribbon

Where & When

"Students mixed up the wash for several stories. Then they sorted the pieces. It was a great incentive for them to read carefully."
Jason L., homework club tutor.

"My daughter is really intrigued with her clothesline. She wants to read more books so she can add more laundry."
Arenda C., mom of 7-year-old.


Interesting Info

The first washing machine was made in England in 1782 by H. Sidgier. It had a wooden cage with a handle for turning. Nathan Briggs patented the first washing machine on March 28, 1797. In 1937 the first fully automated washing machine was unveiled at the Louisiana State Fair.