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Getting crafty with your little one is a fun way to help them develop their communication, problem-solving and social skills.
In the video below we look at all the benefits of building puppets out of recycling and scrap paper.
You can build scrap people out of objects you find around the house like old cardboard tubes and string.
Try asking your child to explain what they are doing at each step - and let their imagination run wild!
Why is building a scrap person so great for children?
- Talking about all the materials you're using and their properties boosts your child's vocabulary.
- Creating a person also offers opportunities to learn words for body parts and clothing.
- Asking your child to describe their scrap person promotes imagination and encourages your child to use longer sentences.
- By learning how one object can represent another, your child is boosting their creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Focussing on making one thing helps improve attention span and challenges concentration.
- Completing their scrap person will give your child a sense of accomplishment.
What do you need to build scrap people?
You can use any scrap paper or cardboard you find around your house to make your person.
Things like old cardboard tubes, string, and old sponges are great examples.
Your child might also want to decorate their person using coloured pens, pencils or even paint. If you have coloured paper, you could even try making some clothes for them.
If you are running low on recycling but your child still wants to get creative, why not try drawing an outline of a person and letting your child decorate it?
This will still allow your child to talk about lots of body parts and get imaginative by coming up with a story for their character.
Top tips for building a scrap person with children
- Encourage your little ones to give their scrap people characters - this will help them use their imagination and practise storytelling.
- Use lots of descriptive words when talking about your materials. Words like 'soft', 'hard', 'bendy', 'sharp', 'crinkly' are all great vocab boosters.
- Praise and show excitement to your child once their scrap person is complete. This will help them feel a sense of achievement.
- You child could also show their finished product to others to get praise and practise this social interaction.
Image caption, You can use things like old cardboard tubes, string, and old sponges to build scrap people.
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Discover more about crafty play
- Looking for more craft ideas? Check out this list of easy ways to help your child learn through craft activities.
- Want something a bit less messy? Why not try this simple rice or pasta shaker make?
- Got a spare cardboard box lying around? Why not get both creative and imaginative with this fun activity?
