Junk Modelling Habitat

Junk modelling is a great way to keep children busy at home and get them using their imagination. It requires no set up and is actually a great way to develop a whole host of skills including problem solving, hand eye coordination and motor skills. This small world activity was prompted by the ladybirds and bees from our Changing Trees Activity box which my two children wanted to make a home for.

Set Up:

So this junk modelling small world activity idea doesn’t need any set up really. Just get some suitable bits out of your recycling, a glue stick, some sort of painting/colouring materials and anything else you might have that may be useful. I also included the tissue paper, the wooden ladybirds and bees and the wood wool from our April activity box. I wanted to give them a purpose for the junk modelling and that was to create a habitat for the bees and ladybirds.

They were both keen to get going and thankfully both had their eye on slightly different boxes from the pile of recycling, First they painted the inside of their boxes. Both were eager to create some sort of pond area for their mini beasts in their small world. Next came tissue paper and sticking on the paper card leaves.

As soon as their habitats were ready both girls started to play. Lady birds needed sleep, food and water. Bees visited flowers and through their play we talked about what these insects actually needed and what we as human also needed. They both created their own narratives whilst they played, which is such an important skill for future fiction writing.