make a construction set with cardboard cast-offs
I’m so excited to share our homemade cardboard construction set with you! This idea came to me last week when I was organizing my stash of cardboard. You’re going to love this idea! It’s so simple to make and it won’t cost you a dime!
Now, here’s the funny part. I was feeling soooo proud of myself for coming up with this, thinking I was being all original, and then while waiting for my photos to upload, I popped over to Teach Preschool’s facebook page, and my jaw actually dropped when I saw that only minutes earlier, Deborah had posted a photo of the same activity! Heehee! I’m telling you – we kid bloggers think alike. I dropped Deborah a line so we could have a chuckle over it, and it turns out she was inspired by The Chocolate Muffin Tree’s Cardboard Box Sculptures! Pop on over and check out their painted version.
How to make your construction set:
Get yourself a piece of sturdy cardboard. You’ll want it to be stronger than a cereal box so it doesn’t bend or rip easily.
Now, simply cut your cardboard up into squares. Then along the edges or at the corners, cut some very narrow V-shaped slits.
Like this:
That’s all there is to it!
I placed the pieces in a basket and presented them to the hooligans, and I’m not kidding you, they played with them on and off all day long!
The pieces became structures, animals and vehicles, and they thought that some of the pieces looked like letters.
Fine motor development, creative thinking and imaginative play all rolled into one very simple DIY activity! Gotta love it!
Looking for more easy, inexpensive and educational DIY ideas? Check out toilet roll structures and playing with sponges. Both were big hits here last week!
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We bought a set like this from lakshore learning a couple years ago. Great idea to make your own! They are fun to play with!
They are, Kristina! I was surprised at how popular they were here!
Love the idea of just making a set for play. I may have to whip up a set for our class to keep at school!
Thanks, Deborah! And I love the idea of making a set to paint and take home!
I think we’ll have to do that later this month as we explore structures.
I was just looking at some cardboard wondering how to use it! Now I know!!! Thank you. My kids will love to do this
Perfect! You’re in for some fun, Tiffany! Isn’t it great when we can re-use what we already have?
What a fabulous idea- I’ve been saving a bunch of cardboard pieces like this (from scrapbooking kits) and didn’t know what I’d do with them…..this is perfect! I think my 3-4 year olds will love it. Also wanting to make the Geoboard, but not sure how to get a piece of wood like that.
Woohoo! You’re in luck! Have fun!
Great story! We loved our cardboard slotted sculpture set! I need to do this with my high school students!
Great idea, Melissa! I think “kids” of all ages would enjoy it. I love doing stuff like this myself!
Oh, my, I love this idea!! We will definitely have to give this a try! Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!
Thanks, Carrie! I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for featuring us this week too! I couldn’t leave a comment on your post this morning, but wanted to let you know that I’m thrilled that you’re featuring our activity!
I think my son would love to build with cardboard! I wanted to let you know that I’ll be featuring this tomorrow on the Sunday Showcase.
Thanks so much for featuring us, Trisha! Glad you liked it so much!
Thanks for sharing on Tuesday Tots last week! I’m featuring your post this week on In Lieu of Preschool: http://www.inlieuofpreschool.com/rainy-day-activities/ Please feel free to stop by and grab a featured button. Off to pin! Thanks again for sharing!
~Genny
THanks so much, Genny! I’m so glad you liked it. I’ll pop over today.
What kind if cardboad did you used?
I don’t know where it came from, Lorena. It had been in my craft cupboard for quite some time. Any sturdy thin cardboard would work. Mine was sturdier than a cereal box, but you COULD use a cereal box. It just might not hold up as long as sturdier cardboard would.
Love this idea! Happy to find you on BonBon break! (I’ll have a post up there later this week)
This is one of the coolest home-made toys/things I have ever seen! Great idea!
I wonder how complicated you can make it with adding extra cuts?
Thanks, Tutorista! Good question! And that’s what I love about a homemade activity like this – there’s no limit to what you can do with it!