Imagine a space and act accordingly
Create a small themed space using cardboard, fabric, and props, then role-play appropriate actions, movements, and rules for that imagined environment.
Step-by-step guide to create a small themed space and act accordingly
Step 1
Pick a super cool theme for your space and give it a short fun name.
Step 2
Gather all the Materials Needed listed above and bring them to your workspace.
Step 3
Place one large piece of cardboard flat on the floor to be the base of your space.
Step 4
Draw marks on the base to show where you want the walls to go.
Step 5
Ask an adult to cut the cardboard base and the wall panels along your marks.
Step 6
Stand the wall panels up and tape them to the base to make a little room.
Step 7
Drape fabric over the top or in front and secure it with tape or tucks to make a roof or curtains.
Step 8
Decorate the inside using your coloring materials to add theme details like signs stars or posters.
Step 9
Arrange cushions and your small props or toys inside to make it comfy and real.
Step 10
Write or draw three simple rules for your space on a sign and put the sign where everyone can see it.
Step 11
Act out one role or movement that fits your theme for two minutes using your props and rules.
Step 12
Share a photo or story of your finished themed space and what you played on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
If I don't have a large piece of cardboard or wall panels, what can I use instead?
Use flattened appliance boxes or taped-together cereal boxes for the cardboard base and substitute poster board, foam core, or folded cardstock for the wall panels and join them where the instructions say to 'stand the wall panels up and tape them to the base.'
My walls keep falling over or the fabric roof won't stay — how can I fix that?
Secure the wall panels to the base with extra strips of strong packing tape, add small weights like books inside the corners, and anchor the fabric roof by taping or tucking it tightly as described in the step to 'drape fabric over the top or in front and secure it with tape or tucks.'
How can I adapt the activity for younger or older kids?
For younger kids have an adult do the step to 'cut the cardboard base and the wall panels along your marks' and use large crayons and cushions, while older kids can measure and mark walls themselves, use craft knives with supervision, add Velcro hinges, and write more detailed rules before the two-minute acting step.
What are some ways to enhance or personalize our themed space?
Add battery LED lights clipped to the cardboard roof, a removable fabric curtain attached with Velcro or tape, themed posters made with your coloring materials, a small felt rug, extra props for the two-minute role to act out, and then share a photo or story on DIY.org as the final step.
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Facts about dramatic play for kids
📦 Cardboard is a favorite for DIY forts and sets because it's inexpensive, easy to cut, and surprisingly strong for building small structures.
🧠 Playful role-playing boosts executive function — planning, self-control, and flexible thinking improve when kids imagine rules and stories.
🎭 Pretend play helps children learn social skills by letting them try different roles and perspectives.
🎨 Simple fabrics and props (like scarves, hats, or boxes) can instantly change a scene — kids love using one item to pretend it's many things.
🤸♂️ Acting out movements and rules in a themed space helps kids practice coordination, routines, and cooperation with friends.
How do I create and role-play a small themed space using cardboard, fabric, and props?
What materials do I need to build a mini themed space for role play?
What ages is this make-and-play themed space activity suitable for?
What are the benefits of creating and role-playing a small themed space?
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