Create a treasure box that is perfect for cherished items of all kinds. This early childhood art activity is simple to make, yet provides the opportunity for learning on multiple levels. Try making this project in conjunction with a classroom treasure hunt for a special day of fun!
Lesson Objectives for the Treasure Box Art Activity
- Build fine motor skills.
- Experiment with art materials and process.
- Learn about color, line, pattern, and texture.
- Explore the three dimensional form.
Grade/ Age Level
This project can be created by, and adapted for, children ages four years and up.
Materials Needed to Create a Treasure Box
- Boxes (these can be bakery boxes, reused cracker boxes, or even small wooden craft boxes)
- Glue Sequins and/or glitter
- Optional: Tempera paints, brushes, or craft sticks
Steps to Create a Treasure Box
Pre-planning Steps
- Gather the materials being used. If the boxes are not already built, fasten together.
- Create piles or centers of the materials being used. Give the children only enough sequins and glitter that can be used. Try to avoid overloading the children with too many materials (or large quantities of the same material).
Process Steps
- Discuss what a treasure box is with the children. It may be helpful to show pictures or read a book that features a treasure box.
- Optional: Create a wooden feel to the box by asking the children to glue craft sticks in rows along the sides.
- Optional: Have the children paint the box using tempera paints. Metallic gold, silver, and bronze paints work well for this project.
- Add sequins and glitter with glue. Encourage the children to create lines that curve and bend or zig and zag with the glue. Next, sprinkle the glitter over the glue.
- Set aside to dry. Prop open the lid with a craft stick, pencil, or other small support. This will prevent the box from being painted or glued shut.
Treasure Box Art Activity Lesson Wrap Up
Conclude this lesson with a discussion about the art making, and a simple show and share. Ask each child to display his or her work of art, and then talk about how it was created. If the child is in needed of some prompting, pose questions such as:
- How did the glitter stick onto the box?
- What color sequins were used?
- What texture does the glitter add to the box?
Enrichment Activities for the Treasure Box
- Hold a treasure hunt. Create a map, and set up a classroom treasure hunt for the children. Place the boxes at the end of the hunt.
- Fill the box with a special treasure. Cover cardboard circles with foil or paint to make special treasure coins.
- Have a show and share. Invite the children to bring in a treasured object to place inside the box.
The treasure box art lesson is a great way to introduce basic art concepts such as line, texture, or color. Additionally, this project can help young children to get creative and imagine what a treasure box would look like. Use this activity alone, or combine it with a classroom treasure hunt.
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