The Cardboard Project

We recently began an exciting exploration in our classroom art space ”The Cardboard Project!” With generous donations of cardboard boxes from our SPS families, our students dove headfirst into a world of creativity, innovation, and collaboration. This open-ended experience allowed them to imagine, design, and construct using a variety of tools and materials, and the results were nothing short of inspiring.

In our classroom, we value process-based art, loose parts play, and open-ended construction. These approaches give children the freedom to explore materials without a set outcome in mind. Through our cardboard exploration, students cut, taped, poked, and built everything from imaginative creatures, toys, tools and even a rocket ship! With large spaces and extended time to work both independently and collaboratively, each child had the opportunity to follow their ideas wherever curiosity led them.

With no limits on what they could create, students brought their wildest ideas to life. Working together to build large structures encouraged communication and teamwork. Using scissors, hole punchers, and other tools strengthens hand-eye coordination. Measuring, building, and problem-solving are natural parts of the design process.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was watching the pride and excitement each child felt as they transformed ordinary cardboard into something extraordinary. Whether crafting a spaceship, a robot, or an intricate maze, every creation was a testament to their imagination and perseverance. Sometimes, all it takes is an empty box to spark a world of possibilities!

-Teacher Rachel