Fiji Thatched-Roof House

Discover the people and culture of Fiji, a beautiful island in the South Pacific. Build a traditional home from this paradise using a recycled box and raffia.

• 1.

  Research the Fiji Islands. Find pictures of traditional Fiji thatched-roof houses. What materials are used to build these homes? What conditions influenced this choice of building materials?

• 2.

  Cover your art area with newspaper. Paint a small recycled box in natural colors using Crayola® Washable Multicultural Paint and Paint Brushes. Dry.

• 3.

  Add streaks of Crayola Washable Tempera to give the hut a grassy look. Dry.

• 4.

  <B>Ask an adult to help</B> cut an opening for a door using Crayola Scissors. Paint windows on the hut. Dry.

• 5.

  <B>Ask an adult to help</B> cut a cardboard roof. Spread Crayola School Glue on the roof. Shred pieces of raffia on top.

• 6.

  Glue the roof to the house. Dry.

Benefits

• Students research information about the Fiji Islands---their location, size, climate, history, and people.
• Students recognize that housing is dependent upon weather and building materials found in an area.
• Students build an authentic replica of a Fiji-style thatched-roof house.

Adaptations

• Create a bulletin board about the Fiji Islands. Include information about and pictures of the climate, people, and vegetation. Show on a map where the islands are located. Display the thatched roof homes.
• Find out about other unique historic and contemporary homes in various parts of the world. Create replicas using recycled boxes. Display in your school library or lobby.
• As needed, an adult can assist younger and special needs students to cut out the door and roof.