The Magic of a Great Big Box

 

The Magic of a Great Big Box

We are heading into the holiday season. Lots of people are busy making lists of what to buy for their friends and family. It’s time to think outside of the box. Or actually IN the box! For young kids, a great big box can be magical. If you have any large purchases that come in a box, pause before breaking it down and automatically putting it in the recycle bin. Any large box can be hours of entertainment, but a really giant box, like the one from an appliance, is a treasure. (If you spot any neighbors getting anything huge delivered, ask them if you can have the box.) These can be turned into a clubhouse or a rocket ship. The possibilities are limitless. There are great ideas all over the internet with just a little bit of searching. https://www.pinterest.com/ClassroomDirect/cardboard-box-ideas-for-kids/ But even a moderately big box can be a way to foster creativity and imagination. You can make it a unique art project. Do this in a garage or someplace where you are not afraid of mess. Cover it with stickers or painted hand prints. Cut out pictures from a magazine and glue them on. Cover it with a layer of mod podge which will seal it. Make sure everything is dry before moving back into your living space. I would avoid anything with glitter (my niece Rose calls glitter ‘the herpes of the art world’!) A mid sized box is just big enough to sit in there with grandma and pretend it’s a car. Take turns driving of course. Or add a blanket and a stuffed animal and make a sweet little nest. You could also flip it over and make it the perfect table for a pretend tea party. Or a hiding place for the toddler! Get the imaginations in gear.  “I am inviting the zebra queen. She has purple stripes and is wearing a giant hat that is covered in strawberries. Who are you going to invite?” Smaller boxes can be turned into instruments. Rubber bands wrapped around them can be plucked. Tapping on the box with a spoon can make it a drum. Is it a box with a lid? Those are great for storing little toys. Take a picture of the items that will live there, print it and stick it on along with any other fun decorations. The task of cleaning up after playing is much easier if it is clear where things belong. Have fun!