The 'Potato Character' has become a massive trend in UK schools as a fantastic way to poverty-proof World Book Day. It completely removes the pressure of buying costumes while offering a brilliant Design and Technology challenge. Children use junk modelling skills to transform a humble spud into a literary hero!

Materials Needed

Large baking potatoes (or smooth stones)
PVA glue and spreaders
Googly eyes (or white paper circles and black pens)
Pipe cleaners, wool, or string
Scrap paper, fabric, and feathers
Cocktail sticks (adult use only, for attaching heavy parts)

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Plan the Character

Read a favourite class story and ask the children to pick a character. "What does Supertato look like?" Have them draw a quick, simple sketch of their idea on a whiteboard before starting.

2. Prepare the Base

Give each child a large, washed potato (or a smooth, heavy stone). Discuss the texture and shape before they begin. "Is your potato round and bumpy, or long and smooth like a cucumber?"

3. Attach the Features

Provide PVA glue and a tray of loose parts like googly eyes, pipe cleaners, and paper scraps. Demonstrate how to use just a small drop of glue and hold the item in place so it doesn't slide off.

4. Add the Details

Encourage the children to think about what makes their character special. Do they need a cape made from a fabric scrap? Let them experiment with joining materials. Adults can help push pipe cleaners in.

5. Host a Parade

Once dry, line the potato characters up on a display table. Invite the class to do a 'gallery walk' to admire their peers' designs. "How did you attach the tiny arms to your character?"

Classroom Adaptations

Large class?

Ask parents to bring a potato in from home if they can, but always have a bag of school-bought spares ready so no one misses out.

Limited resources?

Raid the recycling bin! Bottle tops make great hats, and torn newspaper can be glued on for textured fur or clothes.

EAL learners?

Print off pictures of popular book characters and leave them on the tables to provide visual inspiration and support.

High ability?

Ask them to evaluate their design at the end: 'What was the hardest part to stick on? What would you do differently next time?'

Potato Characters: Junk Modelling DT Activity for World Book Day