Measuring Craft

• Teach a young child about the concepts of measurement by making a ladder craft. You'll need a pair of safety scissors, a thin piece of cardboard, a ruler and writing implement. Before starting, have a discussion with the child about measuring. Have her measure two equally long, narrow rectangles to form the ladder's edges. Cut out the edges and then move on to the rungs. She can make a traditional ladder and measure out several equally sized rectangles for the rungs, or make a tapered ladder for practice in measuring different sizes. After all the shapes are cut, glue the rungs to the sides to complete.
  
  

Jacob's Ladder

• Make a craft in Sunday school that teaches the class about the concept of Jacob's Ladder. Depending on the age of the students, you might want to complete the task of cutting the ladder shapes ahead of time. Use any type of non-corrugated cardboard cut to a height of 14 inches and a width of four inches. On either side of the cardboard, punch holes across from one another. Starting at the top, thread the yarn through one of the holes from the back, then directly across to the hole on the opposite side. Then from the back, thread the yarn through one of the holes directly below and thread it across so it appears as another rung on the front of the ladder. Continue this process until all the rungs are made with the yarn. Make small pictures of angels and slip them behind the yarn rungs, which secure them into place.
  
  

Display Ladder

• Make a large cardboard ladder craft project that will serve as a display stand for stuffed animals, quilts or other lightweight objects. If making the craft with a child, remind him that this ladder isn't for climbing. Cut four equally sized side pieces in the height you desire the ladder. Use corrugated cardboard for strength. Glue two pieces together to form one reinforced side. Repeat for the other side. Cut rungs from the corrugated cardboard. Doubling up on the cardboard rungs will make them stronger. You also could use one layer of cardboard for the rungs, bending the ends upward and gluing them to the sides. After assembling the ladder by using a strong glue to attach the rungs and the sides, decorate with high-gloss acrylic paints. To use, prop the ladder against the wall in the corner of a room. Balance small, lightweight toys on the rungs, which serve as shelves.
  
  

Custom Ladder Decorations

• Have a child decorate a cardboard ladder in the theme of her choice through the craft of decoupage. Make the ladder by tracing its shape onto a piece of cardboard. Create the tracing in an appropriate height and width for the toy, such as a doll's bunk bed or fire truck. Cut out the outline and have the child customize it. Make magazines or printed pictures available and have the child cut them out. Cover the entire cardboard ladder with pictures to create a themed collage. After the glue is dry, seal in the pictures by applying another coat of glue on top.