Materials
Extra-large cardboard box
Utility knife (adult only)Plastic drop cloth
Brown construction paper
Poster board, optional
Scissors
Glue
Water
Containers, cups, or trays
Wide masking or duct tape
Instructions
1. Beforehand, cut a door in one side of the box and a window on the opposite side. The doorshould be large enough for a child to enter safely.
2. Place a large drop cloth on the floor.
3. Cut log shapes from construction paper in a variety of sizes. Older children will be able to cutthese on their own, particularly with the use of patterns cut beforehand from poster board.
4. Mix glue and water to thin the glue slightly. Pour the glue mixture into containers.
5. Have the children apply the glue to the sides of the box, in sections.
6. Help the children paste the logs on the box to create the appearance of a log cabin.
7. Allow four to six hours for the glue to dry.More to doDramatic play: Play a game of frontier make-believe. Add a small rug, some fabric on the window,and household accessories from the pioneer days. Have the children rummage through the dressupbox for period clothing and prepare a meal over the make-believe fire.Snack: Prepare a simple picnic like the early settlers might have done. Have a snack of cornbreador bread with molasses or syrup.
