Boxes - OTPlan

The Cardboard Box Texture Tunnel

Steps:

Use masking tape to connect two large boxes to create a long, sturdy tunnel.
Cut the flaps off both ends so your child has a clear path to crawl through.
Use tape to secure different pieces of fabric to the bottom of the tunnel.
Stick several soft cotton balls to the inner walls of the box using glue or tape.
Encourage your child to crawl through the tunnel and touch the various textures.
Talk about the sensations, asking if the walls feel soft, fuzzy, or smooth.

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: Cotton balls are small parts. Always supervise your toddler closely and ensure they do not pull them off to put in their mouth.

The Space Station Balloon Squeeze

Steps:

Blow up a balloon and tie it securely.
Place two large boxes on the floor about six inches apart.
Tell your child the balloon is a spaceship that needs to go through the narrow space station.
Ask them to push the balloon through the gap using only their elbows.
Once they succeed, move the boxes slightly closer together to make it harder.
Challenge them to push the balloon through using a slow-motion crawl.
Next, have them try to pull the balloon back through the gap using their feet!
This helps them learn how much pressure is needed to move the balloon.
Repeat the maze three times and cheer for every successful mission!

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is always required when playing with balloons. If a balloon pops, pick up the broken pieces immediately to keep your child safe.

Baking Cup Tightrope Balance

Steps:

Place two large, heavy boxes about two feet apart on the floor.
Use masking tape to secure a long piece of yarn between the two boxes.
Make sure the yarn is very taut and about six inches off the ground.
Give your child a stack of colorful paper baking cups.
Show them how to turn a cup upside down and rest the center on the yarn.
Challenge them to place five cups in a row without any of them tipping over!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child to ensure the yarn is used safely and boxes are stable.

The Supine Tape Rescue

Steps:

Place two sturdy boxes about two feet apart on a carpeted floor.
Stretch several long strips of masking tape between the boxes with the sticky side facing down toward the floor.
Press lightweight treasures like ribbons, feathers, and paper clips onto the sticky tape bridge.
Ask your child to lie on their back on the floor between the two boxes, looking up at the tape.
Encourage them to reach up with one hand to peel a treasure off the tape.
Challenge them to use their other hand to hold a basket as they rescue all the treasures!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child to ensure they do not put any small items like paper clips in their mouth.

The Newspaper Crane Challenge

Steps:

Help your child roll a large sheet of newspaper into a tight, long rod.
Use several pieces of masking tape to keep the paper rod from unrolling.
Tape a small box firmly to one end of the long newspaper rod.
Scatter several small blocks on the floor in front of your child.
Ask your child to hold the handle end of the rod with both hands.
Challenge them to reach out and use the box to scoop up one block.
Have them lift the block and carry it to a target box on the floor.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the play area is clear of sharp furniture while your child moves the long rod.