I thought I would share something non-sewing related with you all. We live in an area where there are not a lot of educational or cultural resources. Besides running around outside that is. My grand daughter does go to preschool, but I often wonder about the quality of the activities that are offered. Their strength is more in the area of socialization with other kids. I have decided it is up to us to provide more exposure to learning, literature and art activities here in our home.
I browse a number of blogs and online sites that are aimed at families who home school their young children. One of them that I have gotten so many wonderful ideas from is Teaching 2 and 3 year Olds. They have scads of ideas for activities and projects age appropriate for the young child. They also have links to other sites for even more ideas.
One brilliant idea that I gravitated to is pictured above. These are daily Activity Boxes full of art, number, pre-reading, and just plain fun activities for the young child to do on their own quietly, or with a grown up sitting with them. You do have to switch out the activities weekly to avoid boredom, so there is some effort required beyond the basic set up.
Here is one of the daily boxes pulled at random. This is the bottom layer of choices for the child: a couple of books, some number flash cards, a lacing game, a small puzzle, some matching cards, a couple of finger puppets (lady bug and turtle).
Next layer: a stamp set.
Top layer: Unifix math cubes.
We had a lot of these items stashed away in the closet of Eva's bedroom, and did pull them out now and then. These activity boxes cause us to pull things out in a regular rotation and really make good use of them. When I decided to create the daily boxes, I did purchase quite a few additional materials (mostly through Amazon). I now feel that our selection of art, number and pre-literacy materials rivals what is found in most pre-schools. That being said, a big monetary investment really isn't necessary. I have found loads of activity ideas that call for things commonly found at home. With a bit of imagination, you can create wonderful activities on your own.
Eva is enthralled to see what each daily box contains. She prefers that I sit with her while she goes through the box and plays with each activity, which I don't mind at all. I can oversee the way she uses the materials and make suggestions on ways to use them more effectively. Besides, it is just more fun to do it together!
The other day, as she was blearily waking up from her nap, she cracked one eye open and mumbled "Nana, can we do 'tivities now?" I think she likes it.
27 responses to “Activity Boxes”
What a brilliant idea!
What a brilliant idea!
What a brilliant idea!
You are such a wonderful Gramma! It’s great that you are able to observe what Eva needs above and beyond what her preschool provides. And years down the road I wouldn’t be surprised if she says, ” I remember when….” and makes reference to these totes you’ve made up for her. Enjoy making the memories!
You are such a wonderful Gramma! It’s great that you are able to observe what Eva needs above and beyond what her preschool provides. And years down the road I wouldn’t be surprised if she says, ” I remember when….” and makes reference to these totes you’ve made up for her. Enjoy making the memories!
You are such a wonderful Gramma! It’s great that you are able to observe what Eva needs above and beyond what her preschool provides. And years down the road I wouldn’t be surprised if she says, ” I remember when….” and makes reference to these totes you’ve made up for her. Enjoy making the memories!
Thanks for leading us on to new ideas and web sites. Love to have things to do with my grandchildren that involve more than reading and card games. Don’t see them often but great to have things to do together.
Thanks for leading us on to new ideas and web sites. Love to have things to do with my grandchildren that involve more than reading and card games. Don’t see them often but great to have things to do together.
Thanks for leading us on to new ideas and web sites. Love to have things to do with my grandchildren that involve more than reading and card games. Don’t see them often but great to have things to do together.
What a fun and happy way for small children to painlessly learn!
My mother rotated my toys when I was a child so I remember being happy to see those toys again and I helped choose which to tuck away next. Some toys and dolls were never tucked away for even a minute.
AMIL was in early childhood education and a quote she had hanging in her office (and I’ve forgotten who said it) read: “The work of children is play.”
Your daily boxes are making learning into play. Perfect!
We have rain! Wish you did, too.
Hugs!
What a fun and happy way for small children to painlessly learn!
My mother rotated my toys when I was a child so I remember being happy to see those toys again and I helped choose which to tuck away next. Some toys and dolls were never tucked away for even a minute.
AMIL was in early childhood education and a quote she had hanging in her office (and I’ve forgotten who said it) read: “The work of children is play.”
Your daily boxes are making learning into play. Perfect!
We have rain! Wish you did, too.
Hugs!
What a fun and happy way for small children to painlessly learn!
My mother rotated my toys when I was a child so I remember being happy to see those toys again and I helped choose which to tuck away next. Some toys and dolls were never tucked away for even a minute.
AMIL was in early childhood education and a quote she had hanging in her office (and I’ve forgotten who said it) read: “The work of children is play.”
Your daily boxes are making learning into play. Perfect!
We have rain! Wish you did, too.
Hugs!
Super Nana!
Mary
Super Nana!
Mary
Super Nana!
Mary
I love it! Lacing cards & Unifix cubes…two of my favorite early childhood classroom staples! How wonderful for Eva to have fun learning ‘tivities right in her own home! Lucky little girl to have such a creative Nana!
I love it! Lacing cards & Unifix cubes…two of my favorite early childhood classroom staples! How wonderful for Eva to have fun learning ‘tivities right in her own home! Lucky little girl to have such a creative Nana!
I love it! Lacing cards & Unifix cubes…two of my favorite early childhood classroom staples! How wonderful for Eva to have fun learning ‘tivities right in her own home! Lucky little girl to have such a creative Nana!
What great ideas! Very special times for Eva and you. Learning is to be fun and you are making it so. Way to go Nana!!!
What great ideas! Very special times for Eva and you. Learning is to be fun and you are making it so. Way to go Nana!!!
What great ideas! Very special times for Eva and you. Learning is to be fun and you are making it so. Way to go Nana!!!
Love it! Thanks for sharing. I need to do something similar, but for 8/9 year olds, for the summer months.
Love it! Thanks for sharing. I need to do something similar, but for 8/9 year olds, for the summer months.
Love it! Thanks for sharing. I need to do something similar, but for 8/9 year olds, for the summer months.
I loved using unifix cubes when I taught in the public schools. They were a fabulous tool in teaching/learning number concepts.
As classroom sets were so expensive using lottery money was the only means for acquisition. Double six dominoes also make a great exploration activity and they can even be found in colors other than black.
I loved using unifix cubes when I taught in the public schools. They were a fabulous tool in teaching/learning number concepts.
As classroom sets were so expensive using lottery money was the only means for acquisition. Double six dominoes also make a great exploration activity and they can even be found in colors other than black.
I loved using unifix cubes when I taught in the public schools. They were a fabulous tool in teaching/learning number concepts.
As classroom sets were so expensive using lottery money was the only means for acquisition. Double six dominoes also make a great exploration activity and they can even be found in colors other than black.