Jack in the Box

crayola supplies

• Crayons
• Colored Pencils
• Markers
• No-Run School Glue
• Blunt-Tip Scissors

household supplies

• cardboard
• recycled tissue box
• recycled file folders (optional)

Why

Fun pops up all over the place when kids create their own version of a timeless toy. Kids learn the ups and down of movement as they think outside the box.

Steps

1. 1. With Crayola® Scissors cut construction paper to cover the sides of a recycled square tissue box. Glue paper on the box with Crayola School Glue. Dry.
2. 2. Decorate the box with Crayola® Markers and Crayola Crayons.
3. 3. Cut a long, narrow strip of thin cardboard or recycled file folder. This character strip should be quite a bit longer than the tissue box so you can slide it down and up to pop out.
4. 4. On the cardboard strip, draw a Jack-in-the-box or any other character with Crayola Colored Pencils.
5. 5. Ask an adult to cut a slit in the bottom of the tissue box. Slide your Jack up and down through the top and bottom openings.

When & Where

"We make strips with book characters. Whenever kids hear me read characters' names, they pop them out of their boxes."
- Joyce W., family child care provider.

"Residents of a nursing home collected tissue boxes for us. We put on a puppet play for them with our pop-ups."
- JoAnne D., scout leader.

Interesting Info

The traditional Jack-in-the-Box toy was a colorful jester who popped out when a hand crank was turned. He was accompanied by the tune "Pop Goes the Weasel."

Safety Guidelines

Adult Assistance is required for this arts & crafts project.

Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.

© 2000 - 2006 Binney & Smith, Inc.