Shoe Box - OTPlan

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.

The Clothespin Cliff Climber

Steps:

Place the shoe box on its side on a flat table.
Use masking tape to stick five index cards vertically along the side of the box.
Make sure the cards are spaced out like steps on a ladder.
Use markers to draw a small start flag on the bottom card and a finish flag on the top card.
Have your child use a clothespin to clip onto the bottom index card.
Challenge them to unclip and move the clothespin up to the next card without the box sliding.
Continue until the climber reaches the top flag!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during this activity to ensure they use the clothespins safely on the cards.

Catch-a-Bug

This catch-a-bug activity provides the child with a fun chance to address fine motor skills.

Preparation:
Step 1: Lace yarn through a basket.
Step 2: Place toy bugs (i.e. figurines, erasers, etc.) on yarn.
Step 3: Have the child manipulate the tongs to retrieve the bugs.

For this activity, you can use any type of basket/container.