Cardboard Pixels-perfect for a Creative Indoor Recess

The rain beating against the windows, a cup of tea, tucked under a cozy blanket with a favorite book…a perfect day.   Hahahaha, I love that image, but it is not my reality. Rain cancels recess and indoor recess really isn’t recess.  However, cardboard pixels are a quick creative solution to put the fun in a rainy day.  If it is going to rain all day, create the squares in the morning during math and create the art for recess.

Supplies

Cardboard

Black paint, brushes

Yard stick

Utility knife 

Magnets- optional. Cardboard pixels are really fun to use on a magnetic whiteboard, but equally fun on the floor

Step 1: Cardboard

Any type of cardboard will work.  I used two old science fair boards. If using  boxes, open and flatten the cardboard

Step 2: The Squares

Draw 4 inch by 4 inch grid lines in marker

Use the width of the yardstick to divide each square into 9 sections 

A standard science fair board ( 32”x48”) will make 96 squares

Math and measurement method- an excellent review of measurement and area, each group can make a set of squares.  

Step 3: The Patterns

There are ten types of “pixels”  including plain and all black squares

Step 4: Painting & Cutting

Painting before cutting is the quickest option.  Outlining the pattern is helpful if you have multiple painters.  Don’t worry if there's a mistake, those become the all black squares.  The squares can also be cut before painting. The marker lines make cutting quick.

Step 5: Magnets (optional)

Glue a small magnet on the back of the square. if you are doing this as a quick rainy day, skip the magnets, the pixels are fun to use on the floor. However, the magnets make it really fun on the whiteboard.

Step 6: Create and Play

I have used cardboard pixels for years.  They are cheap, easy make and store ( 96 squares easily fits in a reusable grocery bag)  and fun.  A teacher’s perfect rainy day!