How to Make a Log Cabin From a Milk Carton

This craft can be used after a lesson about Abraham Lincoln is given. You can use it during your study of the US Presidents or to celebrate President's Day. The craft is a simple one so it can be made by children as young as preschool. Homeschooling parents may find it helpful as well as teachers. Remember there are more sophisticated log cabin crafts out there if you want to challenge your older children. This craft is geared toward children ages four to eight.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• One half pint milk carton
• Scissors
• Glue
• Tape
• Construction paper
• Newspapers
• Black marker
• Ruler

1. Completely wash out the half pint milk carton. Let it air dry.

2. Lay out some newspapers over your child's workspace area so that you protect the surfaces.

3. Cut the brown construction paper to fit each of the four sides as well as two pieces for the roof. The cabin pieces should all be the exact size, but the roof can hang over the edge. If it is helpful, you can use a ruler to measure the sides and draw it on your construction paper. Then cut them out.

4. Cut out the side and roof. Paste the four sides on the log cabin first.

5. Draw a door and two windows on the front of the log cabin with your black marker.

6. Glue the two roof pieces where they meet in the middle, at the top of the carton where it stands up a bit.

7. Add some logs to make your cabin look like a log cabin. To do this cut some brown construction paper that is as long as the side you are working on. Make it a little bit long. Then roll it up in to a log shape and tape it closed. Glue on the side of the cabin. Repeat this until you have gone all the way around the cabin, being careful not to cover up the door and windows.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure young children are using age appropriate scissors.