Cardboard Boxes & Mark Making

Basingstoke,Blog
04/06/2018

Just a little blog about cardboard boxes…..

It all started last weekend when my daughter got a ‘proper bed’ and my husband had finished assembling it. He was heading to the recycling bin when I stopped him. Surely this could be used before it got put in the bin. So over the past few days the children and I explored different uses for cardboard boxes and had so much fun. We even took at trip to a DIY store and picked up lots of boxes (for free).

I will share some of our ideas of using cardboard boxes which encourage creativity, mark making, role play and most importantly fun.

Cardboard box 1 – Road map

My two loved this. All you need is a large cardboard box opened up, some toy vehicles and felt tips. Let the children draw the roads and talk to them about what we might find next to the roads; shops, houses, parks, ponds, roundabouts (it wouldn’t be Basingstoke without a roundabout!). This activity really links to the children’s experiences and the world around them. I was amazed as my 4 year old added so much detail such as sign posts and even road markings! Try it and see where your toy cars will go.

Cardboard box 2 – Farm

We have quite a large selection of random animals and so we decided to make farms for them. For this you will need: a cardboard box, sharp scissors (adults), felt tips and some animals. We decided where the door and windows would be and I carefully cut these out. The children then drew on the boxes and let the animals inside their new home.                                                                                                                            

Cardboard box 3 – Robots

In our selection of boxes we had 2 that were quite big and I suggested they could become an outfit. Well we ended up with 2 robots. For this you will need large cardboard boxes, sharp scissors (adults) and felt tips (or paint..etc). I carefully cut out two holes for the arms and a hole at the bottom for the legs. The children then drew buttons, bow ties and lots of other details. We had so much fun and lots of giggles. The robots are currently stood in the playroom ready for more role play in the morning.

Tip… measure where the arms should be! Emilie thought it was hilarious that she disappeared.

What could your little one make with a cardboard box? I would love to hear your ideas and see your photos.

Be creative, get mark making and see where a cardboard box will take you… the possibilities are endless.

Have fun,

Lene x

Little Learners Basingstoke