Your Child Will Learn
You can use small materials to make models of real-life structures
Here’s What to Do
- Read a non-fiction book about well-known structures such as bridges, towers, tall buildings, walls, and etc.
- Ask your child to draw a picture of the structure they liked the most
- Give your child modeling materials such as clay, playdough, straws and tape, or pretzel sticks and marshmellows to create a small model of this structure
- Display the model and picture together in a special place or have your child take it to school for show-and-tell
Put PEER Into Action
PAUSE
- Stretch, relax, and do this activity in an open and clear space
ENGAGE
- While reading the book, talk to your child about the lines, shapes, colors, and materials of the structure
- Discuss how the structure is used by people and its surrounding community
ENCOURAGE
- Ask your child how you can be helpful to them while they are building their structure
- If the structure is not sturdy and falls apart, suggest techniques and strategies that will help support and hold the materials in place
REFLECT
- Ask your child, “if you could build your own real structure one day, what would it be and where would you build it”?
Not Quite Ready
Before doing this activity, ask your child to build a model of your house or their school
Ready for More
Build a series of models with different materials
As Your Child Masters This Skill
They will be curious about and show interest in how structures are built
Time to Complete
20-30 minutes
Materials Needed
Modeling materials such as clay, playdough, straws and tape, pretzel sticks and marshmallows