Objective

By the end of this lesson, Olivia will be able to design and build a simple dollhouse using cardboard. She will learn about planning, measuring, cutting, and assembling the dollhouse while exploring her creativity and problem-solving skills.

Materials and Prep

• Cardboard boxes (old cereal boxes, shoe boxes, etc.)
• Scissors
• Glue (white school glue or a glue stick)
• Pencil and ruler (for measuring)
• Markers or colored pencils (for decorating)
• Optional: Stickers or magazine cutouts for decoration

Before the lesson, gather all materials and find a clean workspace where Olivia can cut and glue without making a mess. Make sure she has enough space to work on her dollhouse.

Activities

• Design Your Dollhouse:

  Olivia will start by sketching her dollhouse design on paper. She can think about how many rooms she wants and what each room will look like. Encourage her to be creative and use her imagination!

• Measure and Cut:

  Using the ruler and pencil, Olivia will measure the pieces of cardboard she needs for the walls, floors, and roof. She will then carefully cut them out with scissors, practicing her measuring and cutting skills.

• Assemble the Dollhouse:

  Olivia will glue the pieces together to create her dollhouse structure. She can start with the base and then add the walls and roof. This activity will help her understand how to build things step by step.

• Decorate Your Dollhouse:

  Once the dollhouse is assembled, Olivia can use markers, colored pencils, and any optional decorations to make her dollhouse unique and beautiful. She can draw furniture, paint the walls, or even add little pictures.

Talking Points

• "What do you want your dollhouse to look like? Let's start by designing it!"
• "Measuring is important! It helps us make sure everything fits just right. Can you show me how to measure?"
• "Cutting can be tricky, so take your time and be careful. Remember, safety first!"
• "Great job gluing! Do you see how the pieces are coming together? It’s like building a puzzle!"
• "Now that we have our dollhouse, how can we make it special? What colors do you want to use?"
• "Every dollhouse tells a story! Who will live in your dollhouse? What adventures will they have?"
• "What was your favorite part of building your dollhouse? I bet it looks amazing!"
• "Remember, there are no mistakes in art! If you want to change something, go for it!"