Although buying toys and science projects is fun, it can be even more fun to get out the glue, some cardboard and work together to make something great. In this article, we’ll take a look at some projects that both you and your kids will have a blast making.
The Dollhouse
It’s possible to get a ready-made dollhouse, but imagine building one yourself. It may not be as hard as you think. While you make the house itself, let your child make the interior. They can get little pieces of paper for carpets, or make little tables themselves out of cardboard. You may need a hot glue gun and some patience but when it comes together, it’ll all be worth it.
Later on, if your child attends an early childcare centre, your dollhouse will be the talk of the town.
Small World
If doll-houses aren’t your scene, or if you’d like something with a little less hassle, try building a small world. This involves taking a cardboard box and cutting it in half on a slope so that it resembles a small theatre. Then, let your child choose a scene and decorate the background. Feel free to let them get messy with the paints and pencils. In the foreground – the stage – they can put characters to act out a scene. To get you started, consider a volcano, dinosaurs or even a ball. Anything is possible in this small world.
One of the best parts is that you can use the leftover cardboard to create the decorations for the world. You can cut out a volcano, some clouds and even a sun from the pieces of cardboard you didn’t use – a smart way to re-use cardboard instead of wasting it.
Make a Maze
Cut the cardboard so that there is a backing and some cardboard also left on the sides. You can use the remaining box to cut shapes so that you can make a cardboard box maze. While you do that, your child could colour and decorate the back of the maze. Then, once the maze parts have all been glued in, take a marble and try to get it out of the maze. Activities like this are great for your child’s fine motor skills and problem-solving.
Cut Shapes
One box of cardboard can be shaped into many wonderful things. Give your child a sheet of cardboard and encourage them to cut people, shapes or animals from it. Depending on their age, they may need some help from you. Afterwards, try painting the creations. Ideas that children may enjoy include making masks or people and then decorating them afterwards. If you have some skill with cardboard creations, try making a 3D dinosaur.
Re-Use and Recycle
While you and your child are using the cardboard, take some time to teach them about re-using cardboard and recycling. Encourage them to take care when using the cardboard – perhaps, if they cut in this place instead of that place, there will be more room for more marvellous creations and they won’t need to take another sheet of cardboard!
At the end of the project, if there’s any cardboard you haven’t used or would like to throw out, show them how to recycle. Starting early interest in re-using and recycling is great for the environment and for their understanding of the world around them.
Engage Your Child
Many children love to socialise, and it is likely that they would enjoy making creations out of cardboard with other children. Consider enrolling them in one of our two ToBeMe early learning centres, Burwood and Five Dock. If you have any questions about our activities, or if you would be interested in booking a tour, please contact us on (02) 9744 0066 or visit our contact page.
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