Built a Better Dad Toolbox

Years

EY - 2

Pages

24

Craft, Resource

Description

Built a Better Dad Toolbox is a hands-on, low-prep Father’s Day craft that combines creativity, writing and fine motor skills into one meaningful keepsake activity. Students will love assembling their own colourful toolbox-shaped card, complete with tools and a heartfelt message inside to honour their dad or special father figure. With clear visual elements and writing opportunities, this craft offers a perfect blend of art and literacy in the lead-up to Father’s Day.


Each student builds their toolbox by cutting, folding and decorating the included templates. The inside features space for a written message and optional photo or drawing, while the outside is decorated with coloured tools and a “Happy Father’s Day” front panel. Whether kept simple or enhanced with extra embellishments, this project invites personalisation and reflection in a format that students are proud to create and gift.


Key Learning Outcomes:

  • ✅ Strengthen fine motor skills through cutting, folding and gluing
  • ✅ Practise handwriting and message construction in a meaningful context
  • ✅ Encourage creativity through open-ended design and decoration
  • ✅ Foster gratitude and emotional expression through personal writing
  • ✅ Create a tactile, keepsake-style gift that celebrates father figures

What’s Included:

  • Printable toolbox base and folding panels
  • Toolbox handle and front cover panels
  • Message template for writing area
  • Tool shapes for colouring and decoration
  • Step-by-step instructions for classroom implementation

Materials Needed:

  • Printed toolbox templates and tool shapes
  • Scissors, glue and colouring materials
  • Optional: photo of the student or their father figure
  • Craft supplies like pom-poms, buttons, glitter or stickers
  • A3 paper (optional for enlargement)

How to Use:

  • Print the full set of templates for each student
  • Have students cut out the toolbox base, handle and tools
  • Guide students to write or draw a message on the included message template
  • Glue the message and optional photo inside the toolbox
  • Decorate the front and back panels with coloured tools or drawings
  • Fold along the solid lines and attach the handle to complete the toolbox

Ideas for Classroom Use:

  • 💡 Pair with a writing task such as “A time I built something with Dad” to extend literacy learning
  • 💡 Use as part of a Father’s Day craft station or celebration event
  • 💡 Create a display titled “We Couldn’t Have Built a Better Dad” using completed toolbox cards
  • 💡 Use in conjunction with other resources in our Father's Day collection

Top Teacher Tips:

  • 💛 Enlarge templates to A3 for younger students and allow space for drawing in place of writing
  • 💛 Pre-cut toolbox parts for Early Years classes to simplify the construction process
  • 💛 Encourage students to discuss and reflect on what each tool could symbolise about their dad (e.g. screwdriver for fixing problems)

Built a Better Dad Toolbox is a creative and thoughtful way to celebrate Father’s Day while integrating writing, reflection and artistic expression. Download this engaging resource and help your students build something truly special.

Additional information

File Format

pdf

Number of Pages

24

Australian Curriculum V9

F - 6

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