Having fun with Cardboard Boxes and Mark Making

Our fun with cardboard boxes and mark making 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 next 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 more boxes (for free). Below are some of our ideas for using cardboard boxes to encourage mark making, role play, creativity and most importantly – fun!

Cardboard boxes and mark making – Road Map

My two loved this. It involves relatively simple mark making on the cardboard which you can guide or help with depending on the age/developmental stage of your child. All you need is a large cardboard box opened up, some toy vehicles and felt tips. My children drew the roads on the cardboard and we discussed 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 boxes and mark making – Farm

We have quite a large selection of random animals and so we decided to make farms for them. For this we used: 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 some detail they wanted on the boxes and set the animals inside their new home.                                                                                                                            

Cardboard box and mark making – Robots

In our selection of boxes we had 2 that were quite big and I suggested they could become robots. We used 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 standing 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 – see where cardboard boxes and mark making will take you….the possibilities are endless!

Have fun,

Lene x

Little Learners Basingstoke