Things You'll Need:
- Plastic model kits
- Hobby knife
- Tweezers
- Superglue or quick-drying model cement
- Small cans of spray paint
- Small bottled paint assortments
- Small brushes
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Step 1
Start with a beginner’s level model that snaps together, has stickers instead of decals, and has major pieces in colored plastic to minimize painting. Level-one models are mostly cars and planes. Let your child pick out the model at the store.
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Step 2
Start model building by clearing a table or setting up a card table to work on. Unfold the instruction sheet and lay it to the left of the assembly area. Take larger parts out of box and show your child how to identify them on the assembly diagram.
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Step 3
Open bags of smaller parts and show your child how to remove parts from casting trees with a hobby knife or a ‘sprue cutter’. Identify each part as you remove it by comparing with the assembly diagram.
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Step 4
Start assembling the model, helping your child read and follow the instruction steps. Emphasize having fun with the kit and learning how pieces go together. Show your child how to position stickers with a pair of tweezers.
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Step 5
Buy a skill-level-2 model for the next project. Again, let your child pick out the model kit at the toy or hobby department. Buy glue, either superglue or fast-drying plastic model cement. Buy spray paint for the large parts and an assortment of bottled paint for small parts. You may want to pay for the kit first and open it to make sure you get the right paints.
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Step 6
Set up your model-building area and lay out instructions and parts. Remove parts from casting trees and remove flashings and sprues. Show your child how to use fine sandpaper to smooth out rough spots and edges. Let your child do most of the work, and stand by as an advisor for this kit.
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Step 7
Set up some newspapers in an area for painting and explain that everything must be painted before assembly starts. Help your child learn how to apply spray paint in several light coats. Paint small parts with a brush and let paint dry overnight.
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Step 8
Lay out painted parts and start assembly, following the instructions carefully. Teach your child to use glue sparingly and hold pieces together until glue sets sufficiently. Show your child how to use and apply decals. Emphasize having fun again and don’t be overly concerned with trying to build a perfect kit.
