We Build a Carton Wall Together

Together, children carry juice cartons from the storehouse and build a two-level wall, then step over it and crawl alongside it without knocking it down. It builds carrying and placing objects precisely and working toward a shared goal.

How to play

1. The cartons are piled at one end: that's the storehouse. Mark where the wall will go with tape on the floor (1 min).
2. Each child carries one carton to the wall in different ways: in one hand, between both hands, tucked under an arm (3 min).
3. Lay the cartons flat along the line, each one touching the next, to make the first level (3 min).
4. Carefully build the second level, setting each carton on top without knocking the bottom ones (3 min).
5. Once the wall is finished, step over it with a big step without touching it, then crawl along beside it (3 min).
6. On the teacher's signal, everyone knocks it down with their hands at once and claps for what we built (1 min).

Rules

• I carry one carton at a time.
• I place it carefully without pushing anyone.
• If part falls down, we fix it together.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child places the cartons that classmates bring over on a section of wall at their height.
• Visual impairment: mark the floor line with raised tape or a taped-down rope, and the child places each carton touching the last one.
• Autism: give a clear, repeating job, such as always placing the first-level cartons on their section.

Learning goals

• Carry and place objects precisely.
• Cooperate on a shared building project.
• Step over an obstacle without touching it.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Empty juice cartons: 60
• Colored tape: 1

Teacher tip

Start collecting cartons several weeks ahead, since you need a lot. Rinse, dry and tape them shut. Knocking the wall down is very exciting, so announce it so kids wait for the signal.

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