This week’s invitation to build was inspired by two things: the Christmas tree we just decorated and The Babe’s portable tinkering kit. She’s been taking that kit all over the place recently, even out the night we picked up our tree. The nuts and bolts inside seemed to be some of her favorite pieces, so I challenged her to make some Christmas trees out of them. Hope you enjoy this fine motor forest full of Tinkering Trees! This post contains affiliate links.
Tinkering Trees Supplies Needed:
- several 5/8″ diameter bolts in various lengths (one per tree you want to make)
- 5 x 5/8″ size nuts for every tree you want to make
- 4 washers in reducing diameter for every tree you want to make
Or for faster shopping than going to the hardware store, these nut and bolt combo box {affiliate} and washer set is an easy way to buy…
Make the Tinkering Trees
We had so much fun making these and a bunch of our other Christmas Tree STEAM projects!
This activity is an amazing way to build fine motor skills. Simply start with a bolt, and then stack, alternating nuts and washers. It takes some serious spinning and twisting of the fingers to move the nuts around, perfect for strengthening those fingers. As for what the trees should look like, there is no right answer for how to build them, just have fun!
I really love watching her tinker with the metal hardware. There’s so much concentration happening. I wish I could read her mind and know exactly what’s going through her brain.
We didn’t try it, but I thought that the trees would look interesting painted as well as plain. Next time… Which may be after Christmas is done. There are pine tree forests all year round, not just at Christmas after all…
Like this? Set out an Elsa’s Ice Palace Invitation to Build for the kiddos, too. Or have fun with our Gumdrop Christmas Trees!
Or check out all of our Christmas Tree STEAM activities together here!
Christmas Science, Tech, Engineering, Art, and Math Fun for Kids
Looking for some more holiday inspiration that use can use right now? Instant gratification style? Check out the STEAM Explorers Christmas Activity Pack! Have fun exploring the wonders of Christmas through hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math with this STEAM Explorers ebook. The kids will love building a North Pole machine, upcycling art into gift bows, exploring Christmas tree science, snacking on peppermint marshmallows, and so much more! You'll love the helpful standards-based learning, printables, and tools that make STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, & math) exploration easy!
