educational resources for home-schooling

Create A Shadow Box To Display Textured Items

19 September 2018

Sean Fields

A shadow box is a three-dimensional display that can be hung from a wall or set on a table so that the contents in the display can be observed up close. If you are teaching your students about textures, make a shadow box that contains a removable cover so that the items on display can be enjoyed in both a visual and tactile manner. 

Discuss The Project And Request Items

Tell your students about your decision to create a shadow box and refer to the activity as one that can be completed as a group. Request that the students bring in some textured items that they find at home. Be clear about the types of items that will be acceptable. If you do not want the appearance of any of the objects to take away from the texture theme, tell the students that you would prefer objects that are a solid color.

Some examples of items that possess a distinct texture should be mentioned to prompt the children into thinking of items that are similar. Tell your students that the items should be lightweight and rather small, but that you will assess everything prior to deciding which materials will be displayed in the shadow box.

Obtain Craft Supplies And Create The Shadow Box

A shallow box that is constructed of plastic, wood, or cardboard can be used as the main component of the project. Plastic film or another translucent material needs to be secured to the front of the box after all of the items have been anchored. Measure the length and width of the box and cut a piece of film or another translucent material that will fit over the front of the display.

Cardstock dividers, markers, glue, tape, a large elastic band, and paintbrushes are some other craft supplies that can be used to create a shadow box. On the day that you would like to complete the project, ask your students to give you the textured items that they brought in and to gather around you. Discuss the texture that each item possesses and pass the items around the classroom.

Afterward, ask some of the students to apply tape or glue to the backside of each object before anchoring the materials inside of the box. Use the cardstock dividers to separate the items. Write the texture that each item possesses underneath each material.

Drape the plastic film or other translucent material over the front of the box. Secure a large elastic band around the film or similar material to hold the cover in place. Place the shadow box on a shelf in the classroom and use it occasionally as a visual aid when discussing various textures. 

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