A tissue box becomes a small world theater in this creative hands-on craft. Kids can 'write' plays for their small actors and perform them in the homemade theater. Have fun with this recycle craft that supports fine motor and creative play.

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This DIY theater project can be completed with just a tissue box and basic craft materials. Kids can help design and decorate the curtain and tape the craft sticks in place.

Kids also have the job of performing plays with their small world players!

Related: Farm yard and barn for small world play made from a shoe box.

Child-led activities such as puppet shows and pretend play support the development of early childhood skills including language and social skills in early learners.

This activity provides an opportunity for kids to engage fine motor and literacy skills with small world play.

Related: Small world  space theme. / from Books and Giggles

Tissue box theater

Supplies

• tissue box

• tissue

• 10 in. (25 cm) drinking straw or wooden dowel

• tape

• craft sticks

• construction paper

Instructions

                           Top side of the tissue.                     Underside of the tissue.                                          

1. Make a tissue 'curtain'.

Lay a tissue flat on the table as shown in the photo.

Left photo: Tape 2 or 3 crafts sticks together, then tape them to one end of the tissue.

Right photo: Turn the tissue over. Glue a decorative cut-out to the bottom edge of the tissue (same end as the sticks taped together on the other side). For our decoration we cut pieces from construction paper to make a design. This step is optional. You can leave the curtain white.

Right photo: Tape a craft stick to the end of the tissue opposite the design. 

Make a tab with construction paper (purple tab shown in the photos). Place the tab over the end of the tissue. Tape the tab to the tissue as well as the craft stick on the other side.

2. Assemble the tissue box theater.

Cut the bottom out of the tissue box.

Enlarge the opening at the top of the box, where tissue is normally pulled from the box. This is the front of the theater that faces the audience, and where the curtain will rise and fall.

Poke a hole on either side of the box near the top of the opening. Insert a straw or dowel.

Line the bottom of the theater 'floor' with construction paper ( purple paper shown).

Place the tissue 'curtain' over the front opening that faces the audience.

Draw the tissue up over the straw as shown in the photo.

The tab end of the tissue will hang over the edge of the box.

View back and front with curtain raised.

Place the box on its side to set the stage. The opening with the curtain faces front, toward the audience.

Gently pull the tab to drag the tissue over the straw. This will raise the curtain.

To lower the curtain, gently relax your hold on the tab. The weight of the craft sticks on the bottom of the curtain (behind the decorative front) will allow the curtain to lower back to the floor of the theater, covering the stage opening.

Rest the tab on the top of the theater while you are performing your play.

While tissue may not seem like a strong material, we were able to raise and lower the curtain numerous times without any damage. It will not be hard to replace the curtain if it does get torn or worn out!

Make a banner the top of the theater to give a name to your theater.

Make a sign with markers or self-adhesive letters on construction paper or cardboard to advertise coming attractions.

Read more on the 'why' and 'how' of small world play:

What is Small World Play and Why is it Important? from Teaching Mama

Small World Play Ideas for Extending Stories from Growing Book by Book