Have your child plug in the cotton candy machine. This is a good opportunity to teach him, if you haven't already, how to plug wires into electrical outlets and the dangers of being shocked.
Enlist the help of your child in measuring out two scoops of sugar, as listed on the directions, with the measuring cup provided by the maker. Have him mix the sugar with a small amount of food coloring, then add it to the machine.
Wait 3 to 5 minutes to allow the cotton candy to form. Explain to your child how cotton candy formation works: First, the sugar melts into a liquid within the machine's extruder. The extruder then throws the liquid out through tiny holes in its sides. The liquid rapidly cools, forming solid threads of spun sugar.
Show your child how to wind the finished cotton candy around paper cones. Let him try a few times until he gets it right.
Teach your child how to clean up the cotton candy maker. Have her help you wash all the parts of the maker with warm water and a sponge.