Activity
Construct a Kid Size Cardboard Castle
What kid doesn't love building forts and hide-aways in the family room out of furniture and a few strategically-placed sheets and couch cushions? Help your little builder move up in the world by constructing a cardboard castle that's just the right size for him (and a couple stufffed animal subjects). Bright, spacious, and even eco-friendly, these accommodations are definitely fit for a king ... and they work essential measuring skills, too!
Grade
Subject
Thank you for your input.
What You Need:
- Large cardboard box such as a refrigerator or washing machine box (If you don't already have one, ask for one at your local appliance shop. Chances are they'll be more than willing to let you have one.)
- Marker
- Yardstick
- Box cutter
- Tempera, spray, or wall paint (you'll need a lot of paint, so plan accordingly)
- Large paint brush or paint roller
- Twine or rope
- Hole punch
What You Do:
- Start by cutting off the top flaps of the box with the box cutter. Parent only!
- Get your child to help you draw lines along the top of the box. Use the ruler (he'll get practice watching you!) and mark out a place every 4-5" inches. These will form the shape of castle ramparts.
- Once the notch pattern is drawn, carefully use the box cutter to cut out the notches.
- Now have your child draw a rectangle (or thereabouts!) with the marker where he wants the drawbridge to be. Make sure it's large enough for him to crawl through.
- Carefully cut out the top and sides of the drawbridge with the box cutter. Leave the bottom intact so you can open and close it.
- If your child wants, cut out some windows for the castle in the sides and back of the cardboard box. Be sure not to make the windows too large; too-big windows can make the castle less sturdy. If the castle starts to get floppy, you can repair it by duct taping a wooden dowel or a long strip of folded cardboard to the inside.
- Now it's time to paint the castle. Invite him to paint the sides of the box with the paint you're using. Encourage him to be as creative with the paint as he likes. If he wants an authentic look, he can make the castle gray with painted-on stones. If he wants something a little more unorthodox, he can paint the castle in rainbow colors or paint big flowers on the sides. It's up to him!
- To finish, punch two holes near the top corners of the drawbridge and two holes in the main walls next to where the drawbridge closes. Thread the twine through the holes and knot it to keep it in place. Now you have a working drawbridge that opens and closes.
Set up your kid size cardboard castle and let the pretend play begin! Every king (or queen) needs a crown, so why not fashion some regal head wear for your young royalty? Just cut out a crown from an empty cereal box and cover it with yellow construction paper.
Related Guided Lesson
Based on your interest in Construct a Kid Size Cardboard Castle.
Geometry 1
5 games
1 song video
1 interactive story
5 printable worksheets
Grade
Preschool
Subject
Math
Flat Shapes
Related learning resources
Craft a Simple Stick Sled
Activity
Craft a Simple Stick Sled
Reuse old cardboard boxes and popsicle sticks to create a miniature sled that is perfect for pretend play with dolls or action figures.
kindergarten
Math
Activity
Count, Sort and Classify
Workbook
Count, Sort and Classify
These worksheets will help children practice classifying objects by looking for differences, categorizing by size or shapes.
preschool
Reading & Writing
Workbook
Fruit Patterns
Worksheet
Fruit Patterns
Looking for a worksheet to help your kid with patterns? This printable is all about finding the pattern in a simple series!
preschool
Math
Worksheet
Shapes Hopper
Game
Shapes Hopper
Your kid will compare and contrast shapes in this fun, mud-filled game.
preschool
Math
Game
Spot the Difference: Mailman
Worksheet
Spot the Difference: Mailman
Can your kid spot and circle the four hidden differences between these images?
preschool
Math
Worksheet
Cat and Mouse Match-Up
Worksheet
Cat and Mouse Match-Up
Looking for a preschool worksheet to help your kid with math? This printable practices important sorting skills.
preschool
Math
Worksheet
Matching Game for Car Kids
Worksheet
Matching Game for Car Kids
Got a car guy (or car girl) in training? This is the perfect matching game for "car kids." Have your preschooler match the cars and draw a line connecting them.
preschool
Math
Worksheet
A Partridge in a Pear Tree
Worksheet
A Partridge in a Pear Tree
This coloring page features a partridge in a pear tree from the popular Christmas song, and more counting practice.
preschool
Math
Worksheet
Shapes 'n' Sizes II
Worksheet
Shapes 'n' Sizes II
This fun preschool math worksheet challenges your child to match everyday objects with the shapes she learns at school!
preschool
Math
Worksheet
What is a Rectangle
Worksheet
What is a Rectangle
This worksheet requires a child to identify what is a rectangle in this picture.
preschool
Math
Worksheet
Cut It Out! Patterns #2
Worksheet
Cut It Out! Patterns #2
Looking to help your kid prepare for kindergarten? Packed with cut and paste fun, this worksheet is just the thing to help him learn about recognizing patterns.
preschool
Math
Worksheet
Animal Tails For Kids #5
Worksheet
Animal Tails For Kids #5
Enjoy a fun activity to help your child learn to sort and categorize items.
preschool
Math
Worksheet
See this activity in a set:
8 Fairy Tale Activities for Your Child's Inner (and Outer!) Princess