Cut out a square measuring 4 × 4 inches. Place squarely before you, and then on the front edge, one inch from each side, make a dot. On the back edge, one inch from each side, make a dot. Unite the dots at front and back by straight lines. This gives two vertical lines.
Now, on the right hand edge, one inch from each end make a dot, and do the same on the left hand edge. Unite these dots by straight lines, which gives two horizontal lines crossing the ones previously made at right angles. With a sharp knife, and ruler to keep it straight, score along these lines so that they may be readily bent.
Now, from the right edge cut along each horizontal line a slit one inch long. From the left edge cut along each horizontal line a slit one inch long. These cuts will give four flaps. Bend up the four oblong sides and fold each flap over inside the box and paste.
A little experimentation on the part of older children will show how to elongate one side so as to make a cover.
Differences in the proportions of the original piece of cardboard will make boxes of different proportions.
5. Work-Box. Draw a five-inch pentagon. Look up in a geometry to find the rules for doing this.
Upon each side as a base erect another pentagon. Score at the line of junction and bend the side pentagons till the edges meet. In these edges punch holes opposite each other, and through these tie baby ribbon to hold them together.
Clay Modeling (Potter's clay, oilcloth or small smooth board, curtain pole)
Clay is one of the important kindergarten materials, and if used with care need give but little trouble. Buy at kindergarten supply store or art shop.
Take a yard of table oilcloth and sew tapes to the corners so long that the oilcloth may be tied to a table and thus held smooth and firm. When not in use keep rolled up on a curtain-pole, broom-handle or dowel. This preserves it from untimely cracking. Upon this oilcloth the child can easily work with the clay, and the small pieces which may stick to it are readily wiped off with a damp cloth. If preferred, a small board about a foot square may be used instead of oilcloth. The child soon learns not to scatter the pieces. It is well for him to wear a little apron when making his small works of art. When finished with the clay, let him remove as much as possible from the hands as a rule, what remains may be rubbed away with a brisk clapping of the hands or is washed off very readily.