When it comes to imaginary play, not much can really top the cardboard box. After being bugged constantly for new things to do this morning, (the toy cupboard, instruments, drawing materials, cubby house and trucks were all boring) I thought I'd give this old cliche a go. We spent about an hour cutting, decorating and finalising the castles and then I left the room to see what would happen. Instead of the usual arguing the kids played better than ever and the imagination and excitement flowing out of the room was refreshing. This type of play can really strengthen many areas of development that are important to kids growth. They'll use gross/fine motor skills, creative and dramatic play and co-operative skills by working and playing with others. Not to mention they are distracted for a few good hours, and that's always a nice bonus.
If you don't have any boxes go to a supermarket and ask them for some, or for even bigger boxes go to the department stores. To make things a little more time consuming get the kids to decorate themselves, give them ideas like - towers, space ships, boats, castles, car garages or anything they are particulary in to at the time.
Here's ours, half way through decoration phase.
The cardboard box. Can never go wrong. Keep up the blog, your day inspires mine.
ReplyDeleteAnne
Nice castle. My little boy liked the idea and made his own. I'll send you the photo!
ReplyDeleteG