7 Things to Do with Cardboard Boxes

A stack of delivery boxes is a treasure trove for creative play. Here are seven ideas to work through, one a day.

1. Monster Pet

Cut a large mouth into one side of a box and decorate to create your own monster. Children then practise fine motor control by feeding their monster all sorts of different-sized toys through its hungry mouth. Great for hand-eye coordination.

2. Rocket

Gather your largest boxes for the rectangular body. Cut one or two circular windows. Make a pointed cone from card for the top and cover in tin foil if you want to go all out. Draw control switches inside and get ready to blast off.

3. Sailing Boat

A smaller box with a paper sail attached to a straw mast is all you need. Children love imaginative play scenarios involving boats and water, and the building process is often just as engaging as the play itself.

4. Dollhouse

Cut windows and doors into the sides of a box, add card furniture and paper decorations. A project that can grow and evolve over several days as ideas develop.

5. Bug Hotel

A smaller box filled with rolled cardboard tubes, dried leaves and twigs makes a simple bug hotel for the garden. A lovely way to get children curious about the minibeasts that live close to home.

6. Puzzles

Cut a large box panel into a simple puzzle shape. Start with just a few large pieces for younger children and make it progressively smaller and more complex as skills develop.

7. Throwing Target

Cut holes of different sizes into a large flat piece of box. Stand it up, mark different distances with masking tape and practise throwing beanbags or rolled-up socks through the holes. A simple way to build gross motor skills and keep children moving.

We love seeing creativity and problem-solving at work in our Balham nursery every day. If you would like to come and see Little Starlings for yourself, book a tour.