 | We support plenty of "go figure it out" activities, especially during the summer. So you aren't going to find many pinterest worthy craft projects here. It's all about the process! The parents' role in this type of play is in setting up the materials and in facilitating. We call these invitations... |
What is an invitation?
Invitations are arts and crafts, engineering, or science set-ups that invite young children to flex their minds while encouraging independent thinking through open-ended exploration.
Once the materials are set up, the child can play with and manipulate the materials in whatever way he or she desires. Hands-off, parents. Unless it's unsafe, let them play. To put it simply, set up a limited number of interesting materials, and see what your child comes up with. This should be fun and easy for you as a parent!
Once the materials are set up, the child can play with and manipulate the materials in whatever way he or she desires. Hands-off, parents. Unless it's unsafe, let them play. To put it simply, set up a limited number of interesting materials, and see what your child comes up with. This should be fun and easy for you as a parent!
7 BUILDING IDEAS FOR SUMMER ART & PLAY
#1 Marshmallows and Toothpicks
Build three dimensional structures using mini marshmallows and toothpicks. Add some larger marshmallows into the mix for variety. It’s been done with grapes and toothpicks too, but grapes are more expensive than marshmallows!
Build three dimensional structures using mini marshmallows and toothpicks. Add some larger marshmallows into the mix for variety. It’s been done with grapes and toothpicks too, but grapes are more expensive than marshmallows!
| SUPPLIES: Mini Marshmallows Toothpicks PRO ADVICE:
| VARIATIONS:
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#2 Collage
We consider collage to be a building activity because of all the layering that can take place. The set-up is easy. Anything that can be cut and glued. Along with glue and scissors. Set out a select number of INTERESTING items: construction paper, scrapbook paper, tissue paper, wrapping paper, aluminum foil, magazines, newspaper, fabric scraps, ribbons, etc.
Also, select a BASE for your collage. We like to use something sturdy, like cardboard or foam core.
We consider collage to be a building activity because of all the layering that can take place. The set-up is easy. Anything that can be cut and glued. Along with glue and scissors. Set out a select number of INTERESTING items: construction paper, scrapbook paper, tissue paper, wrapping paper, aluminum foil, magazines, newspaper, fabric scraps, ribbons, etc.
Also, select a BASE for your collage. We like to use something sturdy, like cardboard or foam core.
| SUPPLIES: Collage materials Glue Scissors PRO ADVICE:
| VARIATIONS:
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 | #3 Wood Building Scrap wood, nails, hammer. Soft wood is best; you can even get the nails started for them to make it easier. If you’re little ones are ready for the real deal. Use Styrofoam and golf tees. |
| SUPPLIES: Wood scraps Hammers Nails PRO TIPS:
| VARIATIONS:
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#5 Recycled Boats
Don't throw that stuff away! Cereal boxes, two liter bottles, kleenex boxes (pictured here)...they all make GREAT construction materials! One of our favorite things to build are boats that we can float in the creek (or in the bathtub).
Don't throw that stuff away! Cereal boxes, two liter bottles, kleenex boxes (pictured here)...they all make GREAT construction materials! One of our favorite things to build are boats that we can float in the creek (or in the bathtub).
| SUPPLIES: Boxes, bottles, cans, bottle caps, etc Duct tape, packing tape, scotch tape, masking tape PRO TIPS:
| VARIATIONS:
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 | #6 De-Construction Any piece of large packaging Styrofoam will make do for this invitation. Next time you purchase a large item and it comes padded with styrofoam...keep it! This is the opposite of construction...this is destruction! Provide tools to tear apart the stryofoam blocks (we like screw drivers). |
| SUPPLIES: Styrofoam Safety goggles Screw driver PRO TIPS:
| VARIATIONS:
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#7 Natural Clay
Natural clay is an incredible building material because it becomes warm and slippery in your hands the more you work with it. Add water to join pieces or if it begins to dry out. You can let your clay dry if you want to keep what you make, or simply seal it up tightly for use another time.
Natural clay is an incredible building material because it becomes warm and slippery in your hands the more you work with it. Add water to join pieces or if it begins to dry out. You can let your clay dry if you want to keep what you make, or simply seal it up tightly for use another time.
| SUPPLIES: Air-dry clay (we like Crayola brand) Table covering Water Tools (such as butter knives, forks, pizza cutter, etc) PRO TIPS:
| VARIATIONS:
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