Junk Modelling Freely
To develop creativity, planning, and fine motor skills through open-ended junk modelling.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Expressive Arts & Design
- Learning area: Expressive Arts and Design
- Level: EYFS 2-3
Objectives
- Plans and makes a model
- Selects materials purposefully
- Solves joining problems
- Explains what model represents
Materials
- Varied recycled materials
- Glue sticks and PVA glue
- Tape and hole punch
- Scissors and split pins
Instructions
Maintain a well-organised junk modelling resource — sorted into boxes: boxes and tubes, paper and card, fabric and foil, fasteners and sticky materials. Organisation enables children to find what they need to realise their ideas.
Crucially: do NOT make models FOR children or show them what to make. This is purely child-led making. Your role is to facilitate and wonder alongside.
Ask questions about their plans: 'What are you making? What do you need? How will you join this part to that part?' Questions about intention and process promote planning thinking.
Teach joining skills when children are ready: 'I can show you how to use the tape dispenser. And here's how to put a split pin through two pieces of card.' Practical skill teaching at the point of need.
Resist making children 'tidy up' half-finished models. Put in progress models on a labelled shelf: 'Noah is still working on this.' Respecting work-in-progress teaches that creative work takes time.
Display finished models with children's own explanations: 'This is my rocket. The bottom is the engine. The cone is where the astronauts sit.' Dictate and write their words. This values their creative intention.