Box play – Playgroup

Box play is an easy activity at playgroup that engages children of all ages.

Did you know?

Cardboard box creations, big and small, provide lots of opportunities for children to problem solve together, share and develop their social skills.

Older children can help younger children reach and move boxes around which builds awareness of the needs of others and helping skills which are important to social competence and making friends.

Add language

Encourage interaction by making comments which start or extend conversations and asking occasional questions that match the language level of the children and invite explanations or detailed answers.

Other development

Boxes provide the perfect prop for pretend play and children to act out different roles e.g. race car driver or princess in the castle.

Boxes can be used as they are, or be painted, drawn on, cut, or stuck together. The possibilities are endless and children will be developing and practicing their fine motor skills as they go.

Variations

Lots of boxes at playgroup or a party can add fun to pretend play. Try a castle for knights and princesses out of a fridge box, or rev up the movie party with drive in cars.

Some simple dress up items can add to and extend the play theme e.g. a piece of material can become a knight’s cape, a princess’ dress, or a curtain or door for the house.

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 children.

Activities listed under “playgroup” are suitable for groups of children of various ages. They provide opportunities for early learning and social play.