Activity for How to Build a Scarecrow

Building a scarecrow is a fun fall activity.

Scarecrows are wonderful additions to your classic Halloween decor. Scarecrows are easy to build and can be an excellent activity to complete with children. As an activity, building a scarecrow can allow children to expand their creative mind by allowing them to decorate it as they desire. Most of the supplies can be made of re-purposed materials that you may already have at home. Other supplies can easily be found at your local hardware or general store. The base construction of the scarecrow may require adult assistance, but your kids can easily complete the activity in about an hour.

Things You'll Need

• 6-foot-long 2-by-4 board
• 2-foot-long 2-by-4 board
• Pillow case
• Long-sleeve shirt
• Overalls
• Hat
• Gloves
• Scarf
• Straw
• Twine
• Nails
• Hammer
• Shovel
• Paint
• Permanent markers

Instructions

1. Lay the 6-foot 2-by-4 plank onto the ground or large flat work table. Place the 2-foot 2-by-4 plank on top of the 6-foot plank to form the shape of a cross. Nail the two planks together so they are held securely together.

2. Dig a hole about 1-foot deep into the ground in the location in which you want to display the scarecrow. Put the end of the scarecrow frame into the hole and pack it with dirt until the frame is securely held in place.

3. Draw or paint a face on one side of the pillow case. Use paint of permanent markers that will not fade or bleed when exposed to the elements. Stuff the pillowcase with enough straw to form a shape of a head. Place the head on top of the frame, using caution so the straw does not fall out. Tie the bottom of the pillowcase with twine to secure it to the frame.

4. Tie the pant legs of the overalls with twine. Stuff the pants with straw so they are completely filled out and resemble legs. Nail the overalls to the frame at the waist line.

5. Put the long-sleeved button down shirt on the frame using the cross to support the arms. Button the shirt down half-way. Tie the sleeves closed at the wrists with twine. Tie the waist with twine and stuff the arms and torso with straw through the unbuttoned portion of the shirt. Button the shirt up completely.

6. Put the gloves, hat and scarf on the scarecrow. Button the overalls to complete the scarecrow.

References

• University of Nebraska: Youth Gardening Activities - Make A Scarecrow
• Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Science; School Garden Potpourri of Ideas; Amanda Vanhoozier
• Kennesaw State University; Scarecrows; Jerrie S. Cheek; August 2005