Box play – Child

Children are ready for more complex pretend play – small boxes provide unlimited options.

Did you know?

Small boxes and a roll of sticky tape can provide hours of creative fun. Boxes as houses and garages can extend your child’s car play, or become doll furniture.

Add language

By pausing and waiting rather than doing the problem solving for your child, you give them opportunity to work things out for themselves and initiate asking for help if they want it.

Make comments and ask occasional questions with language that goes with the thinking, decision making and planning process that go with construction projects e.g. “this looks interesting” “I see you’re putting the bottom in first” “oops we have nearly finished the sticky tape” “what else could you use to put it together”

Other development

Manipulating small boxes, drawing or gluing items on, or sticking boxes together helps to develop fine motor skills.

Variations

Boxes can also be broken down for a different construction activity. With some help from adults, boxes can be cut into pieces which can then be slotted together to make all sorts of creations.

Safety

Always supervise young children around scissors.

Across the ages

All the activities listed on our “Play Ideas” page can be applied across different age groups. Check out box play for babies, toddlers and playgroups.

Activities listed under “child” are suitable for children 3 years and older.  Children of this age enjoy more complex activities where they can develop their skills and use their imagination while playing with friends.