Boxes - Page 2 of 3

The Secret Ribbon Loop Tunnel

Steps:

Adult: Use scissors to cut a circular hole on each side of the shoe box.
Thread a long ribbon through both holes and tie the ends together to make a loop.
Ask your child to use their pincer grasp to place stickers on the ribbon.
Have your child hold the box steady with one hand to build strength.
Encourage them to pull the ribbon through the box using their other hand.
Challenge them to move the loop until the stickers pop out the other side!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when playing with long ribbons to prevent entanglement. Stickers are a potential choking hazard for young children.

The Heavy Cargo Foot Push

Steps:

Place a large cardboard box on a smooth floor surface like wood or tile.
Ask your toddler to help fill the box with their favorite stuffed animals.
Have your child sit on the floor with their back against a sturdy wall or couch.
Place the weighted box directly in front of their feet.
Encourage them to bend their knees and push the box away using both feet.
See how far the cargo can go with one big push!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Ensure the floor is clear of any small objects that could be a trip hazard. Check the stuffed animals for small buttons or eyes that could be a choking hazard if they become loose.

Squeeze and Slot Cups

Steps:

Adult Prep: Take a sturdy cardboard box and secure the lid shut with masking tape. Use scissors to cut one very narrow, tight slot (about 3 inches long) into the top center of the box.
Give your child the paper cups. Challenge them to use both hands to squeeze and crumple each cup as flat and stiff as possible. Encourage them to press hard to feel the crunch!
Pick up one flat, crumpled cup. Ask your child to hold the prepared box firmly with their helper hand to keep it steady on the table.
Challenge your child to aim the stiff edge of the cup into the narrow slot. They must use a strong, controlled push to send the crushed cup completely inside the box.
Repeat this crushing and slotting process until all the paper cups have been successfully posted inside the resistant box.

Safety Tip:
Constant adult supervision is required. Ensure that the cardboard box is stable and cannot tip over when the child applies pushing force. Adults must handle the scissors when cutting the resistant slot.

The Sticky Spider Crawl Maze

Set up a ‘web’ area by placing two large boxes or firm pillows a few feet apart. Use masking tape to string yarn back and forth between the two structures, creating a low, crisscrossing maze pattern (the sticky spider web).

The goal is to cross from one side to the other. You can grade the activity up and down by spacing the spider webs.

Tower Sticker Challenge

Steps:

Prepare the target: Stack 3 to 4 empty Boxes on top of each other to create a stable, eye-level tower. Cover the tower sides with Paper and secure the paper firmly using Masking Tape.
Pre-peel the Stickers: Carefully peel most of the backing off 10-15 large Stickers (like dot stickers or large shapes) and place them securely onto the edge of the table or highchair tray, leaving a small corner for the child to grasp.
Challenge the Pincer Grasp: Encourage your child to use only their thumb and pointer finger to peel the rest of the Sticker off the table edge.
Attach the Stickers: Guide the child to walk over to the tower. Encourage them to use their helper hand to stabilize the Box while the dominant hand presses the sticker firmly onto the paper surface. Try to cover all sides of the tower!

Safety Tip:
Due to the risk of choking, constant, close adult supervision is required during this activity, as small stickers and paper pieces can easily be placed in the mouth by toddlers.