By Cherry T.

We have gotten pretty into making robots lately. This simple, creative and super fun craft couldn’t be easier, plus it’s low mess and low prep, too.

Start by setting aside any small interesting bits of recycling as you find them, just make sure they are clean, dry and safe. Here are some ideas:

• Small boxes: Think pasta, cake mix, tissue sized boxes. If you turn them inside out to their plain side it’s easier to use markers on them & I think it looks nicer too.

• Cannisters: Oatmeal/breadcrumb tubs, Parmesan pots, spice pots, paper cups, paper towel tubes, paper straws, yogurt pots, small water bottles.

• Embellishments: milk bottle tops, emptied out Nespresso pods, cut-up egg cartons, string, lids, paper plates, cupcake cases, corks.

We like to construct with painter’s tape as it’s inexpensive and makes for a mess-free craft time, plus no waiting for glue to dry! You could use washi or funky coloured craft tape for extra fancy robots! Googly eyes, coloured paper, pipe cleaners, markers, foam stickers, colourful rubber bands are all great additions too — raid that craft box!

Last but not least, don’t forget to name your finished robot and give them a back story, the sillier the better!

I love that this keeps the kids so busy creating, then playing with their robots for ages. A great workout for their fine motor skills, problem solving and imaginative play.