Design a Dragon

What can we use instead of a paper fastener, egg carton pieces, or a toilet paper roll if we don't have them?

If you don't have a paper fastener, egg carton, or toilet paper roll, you can use a brad or split pin for the wings, cut scales from construction paper or foam sheets instead of egg carton pieces, and make the tail from a rolled cereal-box strip or a paper towel tube.

My wings are stuck or fall off when I try to flap them — how do I fix that?

If the wings won't flap freely or keep coming loose after attaching them with a paper fastener or tape, punch a small pilot hole through the cardboard first, use a larger brad or add a washer or two glued cardboard rings under the fastener, and tighten just enough so the wings move without binding.

How can I adapt the Design a Dragon activity for younger or older kids?

For younger kids, pre-fold and pre-cut the dragon template and provide big pre-cut scales to glue, while older kids can design intricate scale patterns, add creased movable wings, articulate legs with paper fasteners, or wire-reinforce the tail from the traced cardboard.

What are some fun ways to enhance or personalize our finished cardboard dragon?

To personalize and extend the project, paint the cardboard body, glue glitter or sequins to specific scales, add coin-cell LEDs behind bottle-cap eyes for glowing eyes, or attach a string to the toilet-paper-roll tail so the dragon can sway on display.