Clever cubbies

For ages 2 – 8 years

Building cubbies is a fun thing to do! It provides an opportunity for children to plan, create, discuss and problem solve. They can use anything, build nearly anywhere and then have a wonderful time “living” in them.

What do I need?

  • Furniture
  • Bedsheets
  • Blankets
  • Pillows
  • Pencil and paper

 How do I do it?

  1. Talk to your child about building a cubby. Ask them to decide:
  2. Where will we build it?
  3. What could it be like?
  4. How big will it be?
  5. What will you use it for?
  6. What can we make it from?
  7. Encourage your child to draw a design of the cubby.They could write a list of things to collect from around the house.
  8. Help them collect the materials and follow their design to build the cubby.
  9. Now comes the fun part – it’s time to move in. Both of you can use your cubby! (And who else is going to move in? Brothers and sisters? Teddies or toys?)
  10. If they love playing with cubbies, you don’t have to leave it there. What about building a cubby outdoors? What things will have to be different for the cubby to be outside? What will you need? And where might you make it?

No-one knows your child better than you.  So, choose and/or adapt ideas here to best suit you and your child. Remember it’s the talking and time spent together that matters most.

More activities to try

6 months – 8 years

Water xylophone

18 months – 8 years

Teddy bear bus trip

2 – 8 years

Spray bottle art

2 – 5 years

Spoon it in