Build a Busy Board
|
Encourage your child’s curiosity and tactile skills with this fun toy you can make yourself.
|
|
|
As the name suggests, a busy board is so engaging it keeps your child busy playing with it. Justyn created this busy board (above) for his son Havyk because “he’s constantly moving.” Flipping switches, turning things on and off, opening and closing doors, twisting handles, spinning wheels – anything to keep Havyk’s hands occupied. Although this busy board is made with everyday items found at the local hardware store, you can make a busy board out of anything that holds your child’s interest, such as shiny paper or bows, kitchen utensils, small toys, ribbons, or fabric.
Havyk’s Busy Board
Havyk and Justyn enjoy playing with their busy board together. By placing his hand under Havyk’s and guiding him, Justyn can show him how to open a more difficult latch or remind him to use his right hand instead of his left. Playing together with the board – with dad imitating Havyk’s noises or narrating what Havyk is doing —helps Havyk build language skills.
Supplies:
Shiny Busy Board
One of A Shared Vision’s Western Slope parents made the busy board (below) because her daughter was attracted to items that were shiny. She bought shiny, metallic paper from the crafts store, cut it into shapes, and glued them in a pattern on poster board. You can also use paper that has a bold pattern or texture. She mounted the poster to a blank wall with tape.
This busy board was made for one of our families by a member of Girl Scout Troop #60035 for her service project.
For more busy board ideas go to Pinterest.
Safety Tips for Building a Busy Board
|