Build a Rolled Paper Construction

This creative activity is a great way to recycle old magazines and newspapers while teaching your preschool or kindergarten class about construction. Your kids will work on their fine motor skills and learn about the physics of making a structure stay together. Plus, they'll get a one-of-a-kind project to display in the classroom or at home!

What You Need:

• Old magazines (or newspapers)
• Pencil
• Tape (clear plastic tape works best)
• Basket

What to Do:

1. Prepare paper rolls ahead of time by cutting apart old magazines. Roll each page on a pencil, making long, slender rolls. For a whole class, you will need hundreds of rolls; for a single builder, you can start with as few as 10. (Note: You can make larger rolls using newspaper.)
2. Tape the rolls closed at both ends.
3. Place the rolled paper and tape in a basket on the art shelf.
4. The child can chooses the activity and tape the rolled paper together in a three-dimension construction.
5. Plan a place for the constructions to be placed until the children take them home. It is fun to make as a class construction as well.

Keep a basket of paper rolls and tape handy for a ready-to-go project. Try making constructions in groups to focus on teamwork and communication.