Recommended ages: 2-5
This sticky spider web activity, which can be done in any doorway or hallway, mimics pests getting stuck in a spider web. It’s perfect for indoor gross motor play, letting children practice using their whole body to balance, use hand-eye coordination, and plan and execute movements in a sequence.
What you will need
• Tape (Blue painters tape is easiest to remove, but any tape will work for this activity.)
• Cotton balls or balled -up paper
How to set up the activity
Use the tape to create a web in a doorway or hallway.
What to do
• Allow your child to throw the cotton or paper balls at the sticky side of the web to see how many he can get to stick.
• Encourage your child to count the balls as they stick to the web.
• Younger children may need larger paper balls for easier throwing or aiming.
Start a conversation about spiders by asking your child questions like, “Are spiders’ webs sticky? Why?” and “What kinds of insects do you think get trapped in a spider’s web?”
Pro Tip: If your child enjoys art, encourage him to draw different types of bugs on the paper balls to pretend that bugs are flying into the web.
Spiders in children’s literature
While spiders can be associated with Halloween, they are the stars in a number of children’s books year-round. Click the links below for two read-aloud favorites:
- The Itsy, Bitsy Spider by Scholastic
- The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle