Childhood Memories: Recycling Boxes to Create Models
by Recycling boxes can provide a fun way for children to be creative and make amazing models.
So many things come packaged in boxes, big boxes, small boxes, sturdy boxes and flimsy boxes. All are made of cardboard and have innumerable uses when recycled. My memory has recently been jogged about the importance boxes played in my childhood life.
My father didn’t really want a daughter, he wanted a second son. I think I may have been an initial disappointment. However, he overcame that feeling and decided there was no reason a girl couldn’t enjoy the same things a boy would enjoy. I enjoyed many activities during my childhood that at that time were considered more suitable for boys. I played with my brothers meccano set, I helped my father fix cars and I read almost the complete set of Biggles books.
One of my childhood treasures was a very old book my father gave me from his own childhood, called “The Jolly Book of Boxcraft for Boys’. The book had a hard blue cover and I remember it as being extremely fat. Between its covers were packed chapter after chapter of ideas for making things from boxes, complete with instructions. You could choose from the activities, or follow the ideas through step by step, creating an entire village. It didn’t matter to me that the book was produced for boys. I claimed it as my own as soon as I first saw it.
Rainy days and school holidays often saw the book emerge once again. I’d choose a project, plan what I needed and go on a treasure hunt, tracking down the appropriate sized boxes from various sources. If need be I would find ways to improvise. The projects within the book engaged me for many hours over a number of years. I agree, I wasn’t really being creative, but I was learning to follow instructions and create a model that I was always proud of. Sadly, I can’t remember my father’s reaction to my creations.
The word boxcraft is an old fashioned one. However, making things from boxes is still a popular activity with children. Parents and children can gather a wide selection of boxes together and store them in a larger box or other appropriate place for when they are needed. With a supply of boxes on hand, along with cellotape, glue, scissors and other related materials children can have hours of fun creating models of almost anything they choose.
Start recycling boxes by storing a supply for your children now. Watch out for boxes of all shapes and sizes. Then when the next miserable day keeps children indoors, or the school holidays become drawn out with boredom, bring out the boxes and challenge your children to create something with them. Modern children have no need of a boxcraft book. They can create their own inventions and develop their creative and craft skills at the same time.
Other ideas for parents:
Inexpensive Ways of Developing Your Child’s Creativity
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Post CommentChristine Ramsay
On February 17, 2011 at 4:37 am
I think children have always been fascinated with boxes. When my son was tiny and came down to find his Chistmas presents, they were soon put to one side and he would spend the day playing with the boxes they were in. An enjoyable and useful post, Val.
Christine
dloriginal
On February 17, 2011 at 4:49 am
An excellent article, this indeed would help a child’s development and imagination.
rejarol
On February 17, 2011 at 5:00 am
Great tips here…
XtineTheWriter
On February 17, 2011 at 5:07 am
What an insightful piece – it’s so true that kids would rather have the boxes and bows until they’re old enough to know better.
papaleng
On February 17, 2011 at 5:41 am
This is a great idea to teach my grandchildren. Thanks, Val for sharing .
Lord Banks
On February 17, 2011 at 6:29 am
Priceless memories, better than video games anyday! LB
yes me
On February 17, 2011 at 7:25 am
Empty boxes are the tops when kids get to use there own imagination with them, a great share here Val cheers
Cinders
On February 17, 2011 at 10:25 am
It sounds like a perfect book for my children (boys and girls alike). They adore making things from the recycling box but not being very creative I often to struggle to find exciting things to build. Thanks for a brilliant article most enjoyable.
Jimmy Shilaho
On February 17, 2011 at 12:09 pm
You made me look at my son and smile.
Brenda Nelson
On February 17, 2011 at 12:21 pm
I dunno about the boxes as such, but looking back at childhood memories is always fun with a mix of sad.
jemialbert
On February 17, 2011 at 12:34 pm
good share
Michal Dorcak
On February 18, 2011 at 4:48 pm
Good idea. I used to play with empty boxes a lot when I was little. Though, for me, it was just climb in with scissors or a knife and have fun destroying the box little bit at the time.
PR Mace
On February 18, 2011 at 11:32 pm
You know large boxes made great playhouses and empty tissue boxes are good doll beds. My daughter loved to make beds for her dolls.
Lady Sunshine
On February 19, 2011 at 6:55 am
Diane Ziomek wrote an article about boxes as well. Great fun for kids. Cats love them as well! Kids could make kitty cat forts for their cat to play in.
Betty Carew
On February 19, 2011 at 12:53 pm
Boxes will always be in front for kids regardless of what was in them. It is just something about boxes that stirs the imagination. great write Val
martinrojas
On February 20, 2011 at 2:01 pm
This is what I call a perfect article.
Anuradha Ramkumar
On February 28, 2011 at 11:00 pm
I still love doing things out of boxes and my daughter too has developed an interest towards the same in the recent past.