Description

These cylinder blocks are so easy to make that this DIY overview may not be necessary, but I created the draft, so I might as well finish the post. Kids will enjoy playing with these blocks and can make them with minimal adult instruction and supervision.

Materials List

You’ll need the following materials:

• Cardboard cylinders
• Lightweight fill such as plastic grocery bags, shredded paper, or recycled packing materials

Tool List

These tools will come in handy:

• Packing tape and/or glue
• Colored markers, paint, and other craft supplies (optional)

Construction

Here’s how to make cylinder blocks:

1. Empty It—remove any residual foodstuff from the cylinder
2. Assess It—evaluate the cylinder’s rigidity. Larger, thin-walled cylinders, like most oatmeal containers, will need reinforcing if they are going to withstand young children for any length of time. Smaller, more ridged containers, like those salt comes in, will not.
3. Stuff It—if your container needs firming up, simply stuff it with plastic grocery bags, shredded paper, old wrapping paper, or recycled packing materials saved from online shopping. Most lightweight materials will do the job. The goal is to fill the container so it’s less likely to collapse when Abby stomps on it when she’s made, or Trevor sits on it when he’s feeding a babydoll.
4. Seal It—a bit of clear packing tape over the spout does the job for salt containers. Tape or glue work on cylinders with removable lids.
5. Decorate It—break out the craft supplies and let the kids get creative. This is totally optional and often enjoyable.

Notes

Here are a few helpful tips:

• These blocks are more fun in mass—-5 is okay, and 25 is a chance to build a wall and run through it like you’re the Hulk or Kool-Aid Man
• Letting parents know you require empty cylinders to turn into blocks is a great way to collect containers quickly
• Baking a lot of oatmeal cookies is another option—reach out in the comments if you end up with too many cookies and want to send me some

Play Ideas

Here are some ideas for your cylinder blocks:

• Cylinder blocks are fun targets for swinging pendulums
• Toddlers enjoy hauling these blocks around, rolling them, and may even build with them
• Slip pebbles, sand, toothpicks, or other small objects into salt cylinders to create auditory blocks that make noise when shaken
• Cylinder blocks make great pins for child-led bowling games

Cylinder Blocks Warp Up

Simple, versatile, and fun–what more could you ask from a DIY project? Seriously, cylinder blocks will add novelty and fun to any early learning play space. That novelty and fun will, of course, translate into child-led learning as kids play, and explore.

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