Creativity and Cardboard

It's amazing how much fun a simple cardboard box can be!  An empty box can be used for dramatic play, as a fun hiding spot, or a cozy nook to read a book.  Or, a box can be unfolded, and used for creative minds.  Stickers, paint, crayons, markers, glue, accessories, cotton balls, and many other craft items can be used to decorate a cardboard box.  Older infants, toddlers, and twos love to join in when they each have their own space to work.  Stickers provide a fine motor work out, while markers allow children to make long strokes with their large muscles.  Sharing the space provides problem solving opportunities and social-emotional development.  Teachers and parents can be "in-tune" to the art work of each child, commenting on what they see each child doing.  In the pictures above, Ms. Megan used self talk as she participated in coloring with her friends.  A cardboard box can be fun for younger infants as well.  They can practice tummy time on the box to explore a different location and sensory experience.  

Before you recycle your old diaper or appliance boxes, take a minute to let the creative juices flow!!