Look Back At Your Unfinished Creations - Fun at-home activities for Kids.

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Look Back At Your Unfinished Creations

Find three unfinished creations, pick one to complete, plan steps, repair or improve it with simple tools, then test and share results.

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Step-by-step guide to look back at your unfinished creations

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What you need

Adult supervision required, colouring materials, glue, paper and pencil, scissors, simple tools like a screwdriver or pliers, tape, three unfinished creations

Step 1

Find three unfinished creations around your home.

Step 2

Put the three creations where you can see them on a table or the floor.

Step 3

Look at each creation for one minute and notice what is broken or missing.

Step 4

Choose the one you want to finish.

Step 5

Use paper and pencil to write three simple steps to finish it.

Step 6

Make a short list of the materials you need from your plan.

Step 7

Gather the materials from around your house.

Step 8

Clear a workspace for your project.

Step 9

Ask an adult to supervise and help with any tools you are unsure about.

Step 10

Follow your plan to repair or improve your creation using one tool at a time.

Step 11

Test your finished creation to see if it works the way you wanted.

Step 12

If something still needs fixing, choose one repair step and try it again then test once more.

Step 13

Share your finished creation on DIY.org and tell what you fixed and how you did it.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

Complete & Share

Help!?

I don't have paper, pencils, or some tools—what can I use instead?

If you don't have paper and pencil use a phone notes app, sticky notes, or a whiteboard to write your three simple steps, and for missing tools try safe household substitutes like strong tape, string, or plant ties or ask an adult to help find or borrow the proper tool as the instructions advise.

My project still doesn't work after testing—what should I do?

Follow the instruction to 'choose one repair step and try it again' by rechecking your written three-step plan, fixing one thing at a time, retesting, and asking an adult to supervise any tool use or tricky repairs.

How can I adapt this activity for a 4-year-old versus a 12-year-old?

For a 4-year-old have an adult pick one nearby unfinished creation, write one simple step and gather safe materials together, while a 12-year-old can write detailed three-step plans, list exact materials, use one tool at a time, test, and iterate independently before sharing.

How can we make the finished creation more special or advanced?

Enhance or personalize by adding color, labels, or a new feature from your materials list (for example wheels or a handle), take before-and-after photos, and share on DIY.org explaining what you fixed and how you improved it.

Watch videos on how to look back at your unfinished creations

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4 Videos

Facts about DIY and repair projects for kids

♻️ Upcycling turns old stuff into new treasures; kids have made lamps, toys, and art from boxes, bottles, and fabric scraps.

📸 A simple before-and-after photo or story can inspire others and make finishing a project feel extra rewarding.

🛠️ Many creators call unfinished projects 'WIPs' (works in progress) — keeping them is a sign you're experimenting and learning!

🧩 Planning small steps and testing as you go is how inventors and engineers improve ideas — tiny tweaks add up to big changes.

🕰️ The Repair Café movement began in the Netherlands in 2009 so neighbors could meet, fix broken things together, and reduce waste.

How do I run a 'Look Back At Your Unfinished Creations' activity with my child?

Start by asking your child to find three unfinished creations—crafts, models, or drawings. Help them pick one to complete and write or sketch a simple plan with clear steps and any fixes. Gather safe materials and tools, then repair or improve the item together, guiding each step. After finishing, test the creation (play, display, or use) and encourage your child to share the results and reflect on what they learned.

What materials do I need for the 'Look Back At Your Unfinished Creations' activity?

You’ll need basic repair and craft supplies: masking tape, glue sticks, strong craft glue, scissors, spare fabric, string or elastic, paper, markers, paint and brushes, sandpaper, and small replacement parts if relevant. Include a notebook or sticky notes for planning and a camera or phone to document progress. Any adult-only tools (hot glue gun, screwdrivers) should be used with supervision. Tailor materials to the specific unfinished item.

What ages is the 'Look Back At Your Unfinished Creations' activity suitable for?

This activity suits children aged 4 to 15 with adjustments. Ages 4–6 need close adult support: pick simple repairs and offer hands-on help. Ages 7–9 can plan steps, use safe scissors and tape, and try small fixes with supervision. Ages 10–12 can use basic tools, problem-solve more independently, and test results. Teens (13–15) can handle complex repairs, tool use with safety training, and lead most of the process.

What are the benefits of doing the 'Look Back At Your Unfinished Creations' activity?

Benefits include boosting creativity, planning and problem-solving skills, and fine motor development. Completing a project builds confidence, perseverance, and pride. Repairing instead of discarding teaches resourcefulness and reduces waste. Testing and sharing results encourage communication, reflection, and constructive feedback. Adults also gain insight into a child’s thinking and can reinforce safety and tool skills, supporting lifelong maker habits and sustainable values.

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