4th Grade State History Project #2

                     Dioramas are something I remember from my elementary years. It might’ve been fourth grade. Mine was a Native American village. This one will be colonists.

       Some suggestions included: colonists at work & in a church. We chose church. Without investing a fortune in materials we didn’t have, I insisted that we used items on hand.

       Legos were my first go to item. Using flat Legos, we built the floor. Seats were found in an Atlantis kit so we used these as pews. Next, bricks that were square were put together. These made the pulpit. Four rows of long, thin blocks made the walls. Only, these walls were used so that there’d be an opening. Figures from various kits were used for the people though we only used figures with black, gray or brown outfits.

       I prefer to use boxes from work boots as opposed to regular shoes. There’s much more room. First, we popped the tabs on the box so that it laid flat. Cut the lid off. When the box is reassembled, you’ll have an open front as id looking into a TV screen.

       Around, where the Lego church will fit in, get creative. Any toy horses lying around? Hot glue a stick from your yard or even a toothpick & tie the horses to it using yarn.

       Colonists can consist of any material. Glue magazine pictures to craft sticks. Use fondant if you have to. Other action figures will always work as long as they’re somewhat realistic.

       Cotton balls make awesome clouds. Green clay makes grass that figures will stand up in. Carpet remnants are fantastic for projects. Economically, paper is always a safe bet. Construction paper can be used for grass or use white & color it.

       Colonists for our town were early settlers. They didn’t have much so not much needed to be included. Lincoln Logs would make great colony houses. You could include as much as safely fits in your scene.

       Glue, cut, & assemble. Then refold your box. Secure all tabs with tape. If it needs to travel with you, overdo the tape. Some people prefer to make dioramas that are viewed from above. Preferably, I like them eye level. They look cleaner to me.

       Try to avoid a lot of glue. Action figures & Legos will be expected to be returned to their owner. Even if they’re heavily taped, the tape & figures will come off. It’d be a shame to ruin toys with glue.

       If the diorama is for homeschool, double it as an art project. Make sure the student doesn’t go for too much color or a modern convenience. There are tons of website featuring colonial pictures to stir your imagination.