Walking-Tall Stilts

CRAFT MATERIALS:
	Hammer
	Nails
	Phillips screwdriver
	Several feet of 3/8-inch cotton rope
	Two large, matching tin cans, opened at one end only. (Coffee cans and 28-ounce fruit cans work well.)
Time needed: Under 1 Hour

1. Lay each can on its side on a hard work surface. Use a hammer to flatten any jagged edges along the inner rim. If you're using coffee cans, replace the plastic covers.

2. On the side of one of the cans, make a mark an inch from either end. Make a similar mark on the opposite side of the can. Do the same with the second can.

3. Use the hammer and the nail to punch holes through the cans where marked. With the screwdriver, widen the holes to about 1/2 inch. Again, use the hammer to tap down sharp edges.

4. Cut two pieces of rope that measure three times the length from your child's knee to the floor. Attach a rope to each can by threading the ends through the holes from the outside. Tie overhand knots in the rope ends. Then, pull the rope taut so the knots rest against the insides of the can.

Tips:
When using her stilts, your child should wear rubber-soled shoes to avoid slipping off. At first, she may need some help from you stepping up onto the tops of the cans and balancing there on the balls of her feet. Once she's comfortable, she can grip the ropes as she would two bucket handles, straighten her legs and start walking.