Age
⚙ 2 years and up
Time and Place
⚙ Any time of day
⚙ Any time of year
⚙ Indoors or outdoors
Materials
⚙ Furniture (e.g., chairs or tables) or cardboard
boxes
⚙ Blankets, bed sheets, or towels
Optional Materials
⚙ Masking tape
⚙ Clothespins
Safety
⚙ Supervise children at all times
⚙ Be sure the fort is sturdy enough for safe play
Instructions
Choose a space large enough for the fort. Provide the children with a variety of building materials. If needed, support the fort building process by encouraging the children to problem solve and to make decisions. Older children might be encouraged to draw a plan of the fort before building it.
Questions You May Ask
⚙ How can you make your fort [sturdier, taller, bigger]?
⚙ What could you use your fort for?
⚙ What can you add to your fort?
⚙ Does your fort need a [roof, floor, windows, etc.]?
⚙ Can you think of a different way to build your fort?
Play-based Context
Children of all ages enjoy creating their own spaces within their home or other early learning setting.
Related Children's Books
⚙ The Little Red Fort by Brenda Meier
⚙ Fort Building Time by Megan Wagner
