You might know that around here, we like to keep things simple. Well, once in a while, I find something so AMAZING that I need to share it with you, even if it does take a little prep work. And I truly do mean just a little. This homemade X-ray machine for dramatic play is AWESOME!

My friend Michelle, who shares her classroom tour pictures with us each month, was kind enough to give me the full instructions on how exactly she created this X-ray machine for her preschool class. You won’t believe how simple (and cheap!) it was to make.

For this homemade X-ray machine, you will need:

• a sturdy cardboard box
• black poster paper (optional)
• duct tape and hot glue
• a flashlight
• a page protector
• overhead sheets (Clear, thick sheets … also called Transparency film or Acetate sheets, you can find them through my Amazon affiliate link here to see what I mean: Transparency film)

Alright, let’s start making this DIY X-ray machine for your preschooler! 

Take your cardboard box and cover it with the black poster board. You could also choose to paint the box black instead.

Then, cut a small hole in the box so you can push the flashlight head through. Michelle used hot glue and some duct tape to really hold it in place.

On the opposite side of the box, she cut a square a tiny bit smaller than the page protector. She then duct-taped the page protector over the hole, leaving the opening to the page protector untaped. 

That’s it! There is your homemade X-ray machine. Now for the X-rays …

You can purchase animal X-rays through Amazon, but you can also easily make them yourself. Find an image of an animal skeleton online, and print it onto your overhead sheets (also known as transparency film, or acetate sheets). Brilliant, right?!

I can only imagine the fun the children will have with these! Michelle shared with me the cutest story about a little boy who kept sticking his arm into the X-ray machine, trying to see his bones. Adorable!

This is such a wonderful addition to a kindergarten classroom, preschool classroom, or home playroom! Imagine adding this to your pretend animal hospital dramatic play centre, or your vet theme. The preschoolers are going to adore this. 

I hope you and your little one(s) love this idea. Thank you so much for reading, friends!

xo
Sarah