The rise of online shopping means that access to cardboard boxes, bags and various packaging materials has never been easier – and with Christmas looming, you are likely to have more than ever.
MAKING IT HAPPEN
It is worth being aware of safety considerations. Never put out:
- packaging materials made with polystyrene, e.g., ‘peanuts’/balls
- mini air wrappers (inflated tube-like cushions)
- silica gel sachets
- bubblewrap with babies and toddlers (although may be fun for older children).
If you are unsure about a packaging material, always err on the side of caution.
How this will work will depend on the age and numbers of children that you have. Ideally, you will have plenty of duplicate items so that if a toddler or an older child sees another doing something of interest, they can join in. Look out for many different sizes of boxes and some that are sturdy enough for children to climb inside. Boxes with lids, gift bags and also tubes are good starting points. On a dry day, this type of play can work well outdoors.
For babies:
Mobile babies will enjoy crawling inside a large box or manoeuvring themselves to sit inside one. They will also enjoy playing with an adult or older children, knocking down boxes or ‘finding’ things in a bag or box. Items will have to be sturdy, and good supervision is needed.
- Look out for sturdy, low-sided boxes that they can crawl inside and sit in while holding onto the sides, e.g., fruit/veg boxes.
- Play games when an object is hidden for the baby to find.
- Look out for small boxes that can be stacked – they will enjoy knocking them down.
- Put out other balls, fabrics and soft toys to enhance the play.
For toddlers:
Toddlers find boxes and bags particularly interesting. They love moving them from one place to another and putting objects in and out of them. Toddlers will enjoy having dolls, teddies and real objects out alongside the boxes and bags.
- Look out for a selection of boxes especially any small ones with lids.
- Find a robust box that they can push objects around or sit inside.
- Put out strips of fabric so they can cover up objects inside boxes and bags.
- Look out for robust gift bags that they can transport and put things in and out of.
- Find some lidded boxes for opening and closing.
For three years plus:
The possibilities are endless when it comes to playing with boxes and other materials. Some children will use boxes and other packaging materials with their small-world play. Older children may also use them as part of their role play. They may use a large box as a house or use smaller items to enhance their play. Children may also use the resources for junk modelling, so it is worth having masking tape, drawing materials and wrapping paper near.
DEVELOPMENTAL BENEFITS
- Social skills as children interact and collaborate.
- Spatial awareness as children develop a sense of their size.
- Gross motor movements.
- Creativity and trial by error.
- Opportunities for interaction as babies and toddlers play with adults.
- The development of language for planning, negotiating and problem-solving in older children.
- Opportunities for co- and self- regulation as children face challenges and setbacks and are helped or find ways to cope.
Your role
While toddlers and older children will enjoy playing independently, there will be times when children can co-operate and build connections together. Older children can stack boxes for younger ones to knock down or they may want to gently push a toddler in a box. You can also play games with older children and support younger ones to drop things down tubes or encourage older children putting things in boxes for younger ones to find. Your role is therefore facilitating play when children wish to be independent, or supporting children to come together.
