Oh no not another cereal box!

We all know junk modelling is exciting and creative. It enables children to use their imagination in ways other more structured learning doesn’t. But…would you agree with us when we say ‘please not another cereal box creation’!? We’ve seen a million robots and spaceships. Now we’re crying out for something, shall we say, more inspiring and unique.

With a plan to find ingenious ways of using loo roll holders, paper plates, bottle tops, egg boxes AND the ever so versatile, (our best friend) the cereal box, we’ve come up with our top 4 junk modelling ideas.

But before we get stuck into those, we noticed something rather interesting. There is a similarity between all our chosen craft activities that is probably the reason why they are in our top four. They are more than just junk modelling for the sake of junk modelling. They cross paths with other areas of learning in quite a big way.

At number 1 (this may be cheating a little as it isn’t strictly ‘modelling’ or making as such but we’re really pleased with this one so here it is!) The upcycled chair! Made or rather stuffed with basically lots of bits of rubbish (sorry junk!). The loveliness of this idea is that every child in the class can contribute something to go into the chair with a mass stuffing exercise! Imagine your room strewn with newspapers, magazines, old clothes, scraps of fabric and more.

The secret to this activity is not the stuffing part (although this is lots of fun), the secret is how you then use the chair with the children. What do you think the children might call this chair and what occasions would you use it? A reward for exceptional behaviour? To sit there to read their favourite story or to do their show & tell?

Our 2nd favourite is a mini library! We know we said earlier that we’ve had enough of robots and spaceships but the truth is we still love seeing children’s faces light up when they proudly show you their creations. Having said that there is a time in a child’s development when there is a need to go beyond spaceships made from cardboard boxes. This activity ticks the box perfectly, plus it’s great for fine motor skills and concentration.

In at number 3 is a foodie one! Homemade pizza junk modelling style. An ideal activity for the home corner without the mess of flour and sticky dough mix everywhere 🙂

Our 4th and final junk modelling favourite is the finger puppet. This could be made in a multitude of ways. We’ve chosen this one from www.nurturestore.co.uk because we think it’s rather sweet!