My 4.5 year old saw a commercial for a "fun loom" and wants to spend her saved up allowance on it. I think this is a great idea, but she is only 4. Is there one that might work for her little fingers? I just don't want to be stuck being the one doing it all for her like the last project she found because it was too hard for her. So, Mamas, Papas, and Grands, any ideas or suggestions? I really appreciate it!
Thanks so much.
M.
Thanks so much ladies! Marie, thanks for the idea. I showed her the picture on the link and she loves the idea. I did tell her that they were for 8 year olds, she's disappointed, but ok. I bought rubberbands in a My Little Pony set, and I had to do it all by hand. I am not cut out for that!
No, my 10 year old has a hard time watching the youtube videos and following them. She has to replay them over and over and over and sometimes they still aren't right and come apart.
They are very complicated and not for a younger child at all.
The rubber band looms are too difficult for my almost seven year olds. They can do a few of the patterns, but it requires significant help and we all get frustrated. I bought two for Christmas presents, but they're now at the back of the closet because it's such a pain for all of us.
I would really highly suggest you wait a few years.
You can actually make the bracelets without the loom. It is on youtube. Buy a bag of bands and she can buy something else.
Can she tie her own shoes and easily button small buttons (like a button down shirt)? If so, go for it, if not, I'd say it's a no go for now. That's about the level of dexterity I'd say it takes to do without frustration.
My son got a Rainbow Loom for his 8th birthday and love it, but watching him I doubt he could have done it very successfully even two years ago.
As pps have mentioned, you can make the bracelets with no loom just your fingers which is a bit easier... a 4 that might still be tricky, but you won't be out the saved allowance money... just the price of a bag of rubber bands.
Choose something that says 4+ for the age suggestion and she's be a lot happier!
6 is a great age, my 7 year old loves it.
I think rainbow loom age range is recommended for 8 years and up.
It could be a choking hazard if your daughter is still putting things in her mouth.
It also takes some manual dexterity.
An 8 yr old is writing/printing where a 4 yr old isn't there yet.
This is something I'd have to say 'No' to for right now if I were in your place.
I'm 35 and its hard for me! Self depreciation aside, all the kids in my 8 yr olds class (boys and girls) love it and don't seem to have a difficult time.
Good luck either way.
My 5 year old asked for one. I said, "Honey, the package says it is for 8 year olds. We can get it when your older." She was fine with that.
Rubber band one, not too great. They are very small, and preschoolers just don't have the dexterity needed to make it work.
My dd is turning 4 next month, and she LOVES her loom thing that uses bigger bands. (I can't remember what it's called, but it uses stretchy fabric loops to make things like pot holders.) Its great for working on those fine motor skills. :)
This is what my DD has...
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Kids-Craft-Made-by-Me-Weaving-L...
