Castle Von Cardboard and Court

I love, love, love cardboard boxes!

This week our theme is Fairy Tales (Medieval Times) and we have been working on Castle Von Cardboard. My age group is 2 1/2 year old so we kept our castle on the simple side. If you are looking for a challenge, check out Ann Wood's Cardboard Castle #2.

Description
Turn a plain cardboard box into a medieval adventure. The cutting in this project should be done by an adult. Hours of fun!

Materials

• Large cardboard box - additional may be needed
• Heavy-duty scissors or craft knife
• Tape
• Glue
• Foil
• Construction Paper
  
• Paint, glitter, crayons and/or markers

Step by Step

1. Draw your basic shape onto your cardboard box. Include curtain wall, towers, drawbridge and windows.
2. Secure bottom flaps with box tape.
3. Carefully remove top flaps and cut out your design.
4. Paint your castle walls.
5. Using your scrap cardboard; draw your Royal Court and Dragon.
6. After cutting out your figures, add a slot support and decorate. (See image on the right)
   
7. You can use any remaining cardboard to add walkways and more.
8. Just let your imagination go wild when decorating your castle!

Meet our Royal Court

King Lotharon

Queen Bella

Princess Buttercup

Wesley

Sparky the Dragon


ENJOY!

Naptime Sweet Baby

I was passed down this poem years ago by one of the best in the world of childcare. It's a great poem for a smooth naptime transition. With infants I would suggest doing the actions with them verses their special naptime baby. 2+ can act out the poem with their special naptime baby or stuffed animal.

We lay our sweet babies down
And tuck them snug into bed.

We brush the hair from their face
And give their forehead a sweet butterfly kiss.

Lay down your sweet little head
And dream sweet dreams until naptime ends.

Cardboard Box Fire Truck

Let's just admit it, the cardboard box is the #1 toy of all time.

Description
Turn a plain cardboard box into a Fire Truck. The cutting in this project should be done by an adult. My kids love this truck!

Materials

• Large cardboard box - additional may be needed
• 4 Paper plates
• 1 Red plastic cup (or clear painted red)
• Heavy-duty scissors or craft knife
• String or zip ties (I used cable ties)
• Screw or Drill
  
• Box Tape
• Glue
  
• Paint, glitter, crayons and/or markers
  

Step by Step

1. Draw your basic shape onto your cardboard box and begin cutting.
2. Secure all flaps with box tape.
3. Begin to paint your truck's body.
4. Using your scrap cardboard draw your accessories and 4 circles for hubcaps. For example, headlights, grill, ladder, bumpers and pump/equipment panel.
   
5. Paint paper plates black for tires.
6. Paint and decorate your accessories.
7. Using a drill or screwdriver, poke holes in cardboard to secure accessories to the truck.
8. Using string or zip ties, secure accessories to truck.
9. Glue cup to the top of truck for lights. I added a hole to place a pumpkin flashlight inside and then cover with my cup.
10. Enjoy! I fastened mine to a stroller to complete the little ones' costumes. It was then converted into a floor toy they could drive or hide inside.