A paper Fishing Rod

Here is a quick and simple way to make a stick that is safe to use with special kids. Working with kids, you always have a million-and-one uses for sticks - fishing rods are only one! We think you will find this idea useful in all kinds of different ways.

You will need:

• Newspaper
• Tape - scotch or masking
• String
• Fish to hang on the fishing string
• Paint to decorate a pole (optional)

Here's how:

• Take a double sheet of newspaper and tear it in half across the middle
• Start rolling one half-sheet tightly up into a tube. The tighter you roll the tube, the stronger your stick will be.
• When 4" -5" from the end, add the other half-sheet and roll into the same tube.
• Hold one end firmly in one hand and with the other hand pull out the center. Gently twist and coax it upward to form the rod.
• Fasten at the bottom with tape or rubber band.
• Attach a twirling fish to a string and fasten it to the pole at the end. Run with it or swing it around to watch it twirl!

For a decorative pole:

You can paint the pole with a bright color. For a special striped "barber-pole" effect, paint your pole before you have pulled it to its full length, then pull it further.