Preview draft. Activities have not been tested with caregivers.
Learning · The activity desk
Roman-inspired paper shield design
Draw a patterned shield inspired by Roman history.
Let's play →
A little plan for play
Open interactive activity →Add to play journal →What you need
A full sheet of paper and large child-appropriate crayons
Age: 3–5 years; choose for the individual child.
Stay with the child throughout. Check the space and supplies, including anything within reach of younger siblings. Skip any activity that is unsuitable. Stop if a child puts non-food material in their mouth or becomes distressed. Use intact books, full sheets of paper, a large child-appropriate crayon and a clean, dry towel. Follow product labels; remove torn paper and keep broken crayons and caps away from children. Adult handles and stores supplies.
Set up: Draw a large rounded rectangle on the sheet and add a circle in the middle.
Adult's role: Explain that Roman soldiers used shields; this is a pretend paper design. Help with patterns if wanted.
Let's make it happen
- Color the large shield shape and its center circle.
- Add a border of repeating lines, leaves or shapes. Invent a symbol for the middle.
- Give the design a name and display it as a picture. Tell a story about an imaginary journey.
Make it simpler: Color the outline and choose one simple shape for the center.
Clean up: Put the paper and crayons away.
Keep play gentle; paper artwork is not protective equipment. Stay nearby and put supplies away afterward.