Pandora's Box of Hope
Description:
I combined this craft with a reading of the greek myth of Pandora's Box. There are many versions of the myth but the common theme is that Pandora is given a box or chest (in the original greek it was a large jar) and is told not to open it. Curiosity overcomes her, however, and she opens the box to reveal that it contains many evils, such as toil, and hardship, and strife. Before the box can be closed again, the evils escape into the the world and have been plaguing humanity ever since.
What is often forgotten is that the box contained hope, which was also released into the world, and continues help us survive through all manner of evil. It was this piece of the myth that I stressed in my telling, and the box that the children create is intended to hold their hopes, dreams, and good wishes.
This project requires a decent amount of fine motor activity and some patience. Younger kids will need help with cutting and assembling.
Materials:
Card Stock
Scissors
Glue or paste
Crayons or Markers
Box pattern (click here to download)
Pencil
Ruler
Printer
Directions:
Print copies of box pattern onto card stock. Carefully cut out box along the solid lines. Decorate box with crayons or markers on side without lines. Use ruler and pencil to trace the dashed lines of the pattern. This will score the edges of the box and make it easier to fold. Carefully fold inwards along the scored dashed edges. Glue two tabs at the bottom of the triangular sides to the square base, matching letters together. DO NOT glue the tabs marked "C". They will support the lid of the box. Insert the tab marked "D" into the matching slot. The lid should close outside the "C" tabs.
These little boxes can be used to hold tiny trinkets or treasures, but they also can hold good wishes, hopes, or dreams. Make them at the end of a camp session so campers can fill them with things that they want to keep for themselves or give to parents or fellow campers to commemorate their camp stay.
