How to Make Cubbies From Cardboard Boxes
Cubbies are a well known staple of the early childhood classroom. These stackable holders provide the perfect method for storing backpacks, jackets, art projects, toys, and all of the other items that preschoolers may need. Instead of breaking the budget with expensive store bought cubbies, try making your own with reused cardboard boxes. These unique cubbies are easy to personalize and can be changed with the seasons or a new theme. Create this project yourself, or invite the students to help out with the design process.
Things You'll Need
- Cardboard boxes
- Duct tape
- Scissors
- Clear drying, non-toxic glue
- Wrapping paper
Instructions
-
Constructing the Cardboard Cubbies
-
1
Choose cardboard boxes that are at least two feet by two feet in size. Reuse packing, shipping, moving, or appliance boxes made from corrugated cardboard. Corrugated cardboard is thick, sturdy, and slightly less stiff than paperboard (i.e., the thick board that makes up cereal and shoe boxes). Make sure that you have enough boxes for each child to have his or her own one.
-
2
Position the box so that the opening is on one side facing you. Cut off the box top or box top flaps.
-
-
3
Reinforce the corners and the joints with duct tape. Cut strips of duct tape with the scissors to match the length of each joint (where two sides meet). Cover the joint, on the outside, with the duct tape. Add an extra layer over top of the corners.
-
4
Cut squares or rectangles, depending on the shape of your boxes, out of the wrapping paper with one for each exterior side.
-
5
Glue the cut wrapping paper to the outside of the box.
-
6
Choose a second color, or pattern of wrapping paper. Cut squares, or rectangles, for the interior bottom, top, back, and sides. Glue the paper to the interior. set aside to dry.
-
7
Stack the covered cardboard cubbies side by side and on top of each other.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Use seasonal patterned wrapping papers for a special effect.
Personalize each cubby by using a different color or adding fanciful stickers to the interior.
Hold the cubbies together with duct tape loops in between each box.
If you are having trouble finding usable cardboard boxes, visit a local supermarket or grocery store and ask if they have extras to donate.
Only use non-toxic child-safe materials.
Always supervise children at all times when creating this, or any other, craft project.
Young children may not be able to cut the wrapping paper themselves. If children will be helping, an adult should pre-cut the paper.
Cardboard cubbies are not meant to be permanent. They will bend and degrade over time.
Never allow children to use the cubbies as a toy or climb on them.
Never use cardboard boxes that held toxic materials, meat-type food items, items that are potential allergens, or any other potentially harmful substance.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit cardboard box image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
