Shoe Box - OTPlan

The Texture Match Mailbox

Steps:

Help your child cut three small rectangles from the felt, fabric, and foil.
Glue one of these texture samples next to a small slot you cut in the shoe box lid.
Cut several more small scraps of each material and put them in a pile.
Ask your child to feel a texture on the lid first.
Challenge them to find the matching scrap from the pile using their eyes and hands.
Once they find a match, have them push it through the correct slot!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child while they are using scissors. Ensure all material scraps are large enough to be handled safely and not placed in the mouth.

The Cardboard Key Turn Challenge

Steps:

Find an empty shoe box and use your markers to draw a small keyhole circle on one side.
Help your child use the scissors to cut a narrow slit right through the center of that circle.
Open the box and press a large lump of playdough firmly against the inside wall behind the hole.
Close the lid and use your markers to decorate a craft stick to look like a colorful magic key.
Ask your child to hold the box steady with one hand while they aim the key into the hole.
Challenge them to push the stick into the playdough and twist it back and forth like a key!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they are using scissors to cut the cardboard. Make sure the playdough stays inside the box and is not put in the mouth.

The Pincer Slider Box Maze

Steps:

Take the lid off your shoe box.
Use markers to draw a path on the bottom.
Cut your straws into small and medium pieces.
Tape the straw pieces along the lines of your path.
These straw walls will create a maze.
Place one small button at the start of the maze.
Use your thumb and pointer finger to slide the button.
Carefully move the button through the straw tunnels to finish.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Small buttons are a choking hazard, so keep them away from younger siblings.

The Cardboard Box Pinball Goal

Steps:

Open the shoe box and remove the lid to create your play arena.
Cut small strips of cardboard from the lid to make bumpers.
Tape the bumpers inside the box at different angles using masking tape.
Cut a paper straw into three pieces and tape them down as obstacles.
Use your markers to draw point values like 10 or 50 on the bumpers.
Hold the box with both hands and place the ping pong ball inside.
Tilt the box slowly to roll the ball and hit every bumper target!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child while they are using scissors. Ensure the box edges are smooth to prevent any small scratches during play.

The Masking Tape Web Bridge

Steps:

Find an empty shoe box and remove the lid.
Stretch four strips of masking tape across the open top.
Make sure the sticky side is facing up toward the ceiling.
Give your child a pile of craft sticks to hold.
Ask them to press one stick across two tape strips.
Keep adding sticks until a solid bridge floor is made.
Place a small stuffed animal on the bridge for a ride!
Gently peel the sticks off to start the build again.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child to ensure the masking tape does not get stuck on their hair or skin.