Empty cartons, rolls and containers can be used to encourage creativity, problem-solving, perseverance and coordination in tamariki. When whānau join in or encourage the construction, language and self-esteem are both supported.

Why do it?

By constructing sculptures from boxes, tamariki can:

  • be creative and resourceful using everyday household items
  • have an opportunity to solve problems.

How to do it

  • Choose a suitable space where it’s okay to make a bit of a mess.
  • Collect some empty containers, boxes and cardboard tubes of different shapes and sizes.
  • Get tape and glue for sticking the boxes and containers together, and scissors for cutting things to shape.
  • Coloured paper or card, pipe cleaners and string can also be useful.
  • Ask your tamaiti open-ended questions such as ‘What do you want to make?’ and, ‘How could you make a ...?’
  • Offer support with suggestions like, ‘What would happen if you...?’ or ‘How can you decorate your ...?’
  • Remember, the process of ‘doing’ is what matters most, not the finished product.
  • Ideas for things to create could be: houses, , , ships, rockets, robots, spaceships, garages, animals or people.

Using more te reo Māori

Te reo Māori English
Container
Box
Really big
Iti rawa Really small
Roa rawa Longer
Shorter
Lid
Tube
Ship
Garage
Rocket
Spacecraft
Animal
Robot