My home is my castle

Homework time is rarely a thrill ride, but you can make it feel a bit more fun with this clever desk tidy. Let your child customise their castle however they like – we've added a grand moat, some windows, and a huge front door. Pop your stationery inside, and job done! Scroll down for a few extra learning ideas too.

You will need:

• Toilet paper roll tubes
• Shoebox lid
• Masking tape
• Paint
• Black felt tip

How to make a DIY desk tidy

Step 1

Cut two toilet roll tubes in half. Have your children arrange all the tubes in the shape of a castle and secure them together using masking tape.

Step 2

Time to get out the paints! Ask your children to make the castle a royal colour of their choice, and to paint the inside of the lid blue to make a moat or green to create grass.

Step 3

Once everything’s dry, your child can glue the tubes on top of the shoebox. Next, ask them to draw windows and other details with the black felt tip.

Step 4 

Fill with stationery and await their first homework assignment!