Getting Creative with Cardboard

Our kids are growing up in a world dominated by digital entertainment. Although this is useful, it also makes fostering organic play and creativity through the arts more important than ever! With Amazon Prime Day coming up, we will be in high supply of cardboard. From boxes to toilet paper tubes, this is one of the best ways to ignite imagination, develop problem-solving skills, strengthen fine motor skills, and have fun!

I keep a bin next to my recycling container where I save useful cardboard for art projects. My favorite containers are tissue boxes, paper towel rolls, and pasta containers. I also save miscellaneous art materials in a shoe box.

What should you do with that old puzzle piece you found under the couch- add it to the box! What about all those little plastic toys from the most recent birthday party goodie bag- add them to the box! This is where you can put all the rocks your kids collect without feeling guilty about throwing them away.

About once a month I pull out the shoe box, dump the cardboard out, and give my daughter scissors and glue…the possibilities are endless!

Kids can create for hours with just these simple materials. I have taught my students how to safely use a hot glue gun and help cut some of the cardboard as needed. I am always amazed at what is invented, how focused my daughter becomes, and the entire story that goes along with the creation.

I encourage you to give this a try! Start small with just a box of miscellaneous materials, glue, and scissors. Make sure to notice your child’s creative stamina and watch is grow as you continue activities like this.