• Reading
  • Science
  • Math
  • Writing
  • Recipes
  • Travel

The Educators' Spin On It

Learning Games and Activities

  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Deals
  • Shop
  • Contact

By Amanda Boyarshinov 2 Comments

D.I.Y Knight Shield for Pretend Costume Play

Pretend play comes natural in our house.  My three kids are always re-using boxes and bottles for new stories.  The idea of making a cardboard sheild for their pretend play came at the request of a 4 year old knight who wanted to make a shiny dragon shield.  We used left over paint, cardboard from our recycle bin
Make a DIY Knights Shield for preschool pretend play.

I decided to take the easiest route possible – cardboard and GOLD SPRAY PAINT! In less than 20 minutes of working together, he had a costume (well enough of it for him to be satisfied) and I was ready for my second cup of coffee!

Supplies Needed:
Spray paint
Cardboard
Pencil
Access to a computer and images (or just draw your own)
Tag board
Scissors
Tape

I cut one shield template out of cardboard and then had him trace his.  Tracing is a great precursor to writing and lets little ones practice their fine motor skills.

Then, we hopped back on the computer to find a dragon (per his request) he pointed to the one he liked and I made it as big as possible, while still fitting on a piece of paper.  I printed this on tag board and cut it out.

We wanted a black dragon surrounded by gold, so we painted the shields black first.

Then, I set the dragon over the black and spray painted gold around it.

When the paint dried, I lifted up the golden dragon to reveal the black one underneath.  And although you may think the gold dragon on black background was planned, you’re wrong. I ran out of gold paint.  No worries – the thought of bringing 3 young kids to the store for new paint called for a quick adjustment.  I sprayed the cardboard totally black and just glued the gold painted template on!

When they were completely dry, I cut a rectangle out of the cardboard, bent it and taped it on.  Nothing fancy – but hey, who needs fancy when you are crafting with an anxious 3 year waiting to play knights.

Make a DIY Knights Shield for preschool pretend play. Eco friendly costume. Make your own dress up costume.

Let me just tell you, that I have an enormous fondness for gold spray paint – it makes any paper or cardboard object instantly a treasure, in this case REGAL!

In any case – if you are like me and need something fancy in just a few minutes… stock up on the gold spray paint!

More Knight Shield Ideas:

  • Make Jane Make has this cute knight costume 
  • Bruggie Tales takes the cardboard route
  • Storm the Castle makes an AMAZING shield too (also a fan of gold spray paint!)
  • Kiwi Crate grabs for tinfoil to make their shield.

Save

Save

Like this idea? Pin for later or share now with a friend!

  • Twitter
  • Facebook73

Filed Under: Arts, Kids Activities Tagged With: 3-5, Activities for Preschoolers, Amanda, Art projects, Costume, Creative Crafting, Make

About Amanda Boyarshinov

K - 12 masters reading teacher, author and mom to 3. Amanda is a National Board Certified teacher with oodles of experience in early childhood education.

« Need an open ended, multi age activity for afterschool? Now is the time for a Teddy Bear Chalk Challenge {After School Link Up}
Announcing the Bill Martin Jr. Virtual Book Club for Kids »

Comments

  1. Natalie F says

    September 4, 2013 at 11:31 pm

    That looks positively regal. I am sure your son is still treasuring it!

    Reply
  2. Emma @ P is for Preschooler says

    January 27, 2014 at 1:56 am

    This is awesome! I love the dragon on it – makes it look very official!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to our Newsletter!


For ages…

Grade School
Preschool
Toddler
Baby

Search for an Activity

POPULAR POSTS

Virtual Field Trips for Kids
Valentine's Day Activities for Baby or Toddler
Easter Eggs stacked using Playdough for STEM Challenge
10 things to put in a pinata that are not candy
spring virtual field trips for kids with flowers, trees, baby animals and more
February Activity Calendar

GRAB OUR BOOK!

100 fun and Easy Learning Games for Kids Book Cover Standing

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

You Might Also Like

Homemade Valentines Day card Ideas for Kids

20 Adorable Homemade Valentines for Classmates

Valentine Activities for Babies and Toddlers from The Educators' Spin On It

Valentine’s Day Activities for Babies and Toddlers

Valentine's Day Books for kids of all ages

Top 40 Valentine’s Day Books

february activities for school ages

February Themed After School Activities for Kids

Best Place to See Dolphins in the Florida Keys: Dolphin Research Center

Best Place to See Dolphins in the Keys: Dolphin Research Center

Let’s Connect!

Kim Vij

Early childhood teacher, author, speaker and mom of 3. Kim Vij shares ways to make learning fun and parenting an adventure by sharing all kinds of easy kid crafts, activities and even recipes for kids!
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Shop
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023