• Facial tissues, at least two sheets per ghost
• Rubber bands, one per ghost; small bands work best (so children don't have to double a band to fasten it)
• String or yarn
• Black markers

• Cut string or yarn into 18-inch lengths (one per ghost).
• Make a ghost to show the children.

What is one way to be in control of something scary? Put a ghost on a string!

Invite the children to the activity table. Show them the ghost and tell them they will each make a ghost-on-a-string to take home.

Roll one piece of facial tissue into a ball and place it in the center of another tissue. Pull together the four corners of the flat tissue above the ball and hold the corners together. Put a rubber band on the fingers of your other hand and slip the rubber band over the ball to create the head of the ghost. With a black marker, make two small dots on the head for the eyes. Invite the children to add any other features to their ghost.

Attach a length of string to each ghost by tying the string to the rubber band. Invite the children to help one another fly their ghosts-on-a-string around the room.

Variations

Bean Bag Game. Use the ghosts like bean bags. Invite children to try throwing their ghosts into a box or basket.

Ghost Zip Line. Connect a length of string or yarn from a high point, such as a tabletop, down to a lower point, such as the floor. Make sure the string is at a sharp angle. You might tie one end to a door hinge or window rod and the other end to a low chair leg. Fold a small piece of paper over the string to create a trolley for the ghosts. Attach the ghost on a string by clothespin to the paper and let 'er rip!

If you make a zip line for the ghosts, a child can remain stationary, such as in a wheelchair, and still have their ghost fly.