CARMEL MOUNTAIN PRESCHOOL BLOG

Building With Cardboard

By Julie Goldstein

This week up in The Studio we are discovering new ways to build and problem- solve. I recycled cardboard boxes and cut them into 4”x6” and 7”x9”. Then I cut slits into all four corners.

We read the book “One & Other Numbers with Alexander Calder” written by First Concepts with Fine Artists. (I highly recommend these books for your classroom).

Each child received 4 pieces of cardboard and was asked to connect the pieces so that the sculpture could stand on its own. Once each child created their own piece, they partnered with a friend and connected the two pieces to either build up or out. Finally, we moved all of the pieces to the floor and children connected each sculpture together to create one huge piece of art.

We walked around the piece and discussed the final results. Then they went back in and added more and moved pieces around. This project was so engaging, the children really enjoyed the ability to move freely and continue to change and alter the sculpture. It was a pleasure to listen to them problem solve and challenge each other to create what resembled a place, a space and also a “huge” dinosaur! This is a really fun project to do at home and in your classroom.Materials:
Recycled Cardboard cut into squares and rectangles, each with slits cut into the four sidesInstruction:

  1. Read “One & Other Numbers with Alexander Calder” by First Concepts with Fine Artists
  2. Discuss the meaning of “Sculpture”
  3. Pass out 4-5 pieces to each student
  4. Have the students work on connecting the pieces and to get the sculpture to stand on its own.
  5. Then work in pairs and then as a class to create one large standing sculpture.
  6. Have FUN!

Blog Categories:

Categories

Follow us:

Get Monthly Updates

Enter your email to receive our monthly newsletter containing updates on the school, upcoming events, and other useful information.