Busy Boxes: Not Just Busy Work

1
Busy BoxesNot Just Busy Work

• Presenter Pam Morris

2
BUSY BOXES

• Medium-sized box or bag that contains premade
  activities created to stimulate the minds of
  children of a specific age and developmental
  level.

3
Whocan use them??

• Children can use busy boxes or busy bags
• Individually
• Peer Partners
• Small Groups
• Large Groups

4
Howto use busy boxes

• Children can use busy boxes or busy bags
• individually where the child chooses,
  manipulates, and completes a self chosen box or
  bag.
• with a peer partner, tutorial partner, or
  volunteering partner who works together on a
  collaboratively chosen box or bag.
• within a small group where the teacher may be
  reinforcing a new skill or concept. He/she may
  choose to utilize a busy box activity in a
  small group environment. Retrospectively, the box
  may be added to individual or partner boxes
  later.
• during large group instruction under the
  supervision of their teacher. It may be used to
  introduce a new skill or concept.

5
Whatto use in busy boxes

• items that are age appropriate
• items that are of interest to children
• items that can be used independently without
  assistance
• items that can be manipulated quietly
• items that can be easily cleaned up by children
• items that are open-ended
• items that are inexpensive and easily replaceable

6
WhereTo use busy boxes or bags

• At the students table or desk
• On a carpet
• At a chosen quite place
• At a small table
• Outside
• At home as a take home activity
• This can really depend on the activity and the
  students and teachers personality.

7
When and Why should busy boxes or bags be used

• Use busy boxes or bags at a scheduled time,
  perhaps 15 to 20 minutes intervals.
• Use busy boxes to introduce old skills or
  reinforce old ones.
• Use busy boxes to strengthen grip and enhance
  finger control.
• The benefit of these exciting little boxes or
  bags is designed to stimulate their little minds
  and develop fine motor skills.
• Remember NOT to over use busy boxes or bags.

8
Kidoodle Baskets(also called Prop Boxes)

• Group alternative to busy boxes
• Can be used within small groups, with a partner,
  or indiviaually
• Can be designed to reflect holiday/seasonal
  themes, specific content areas, or childrens
  literature

9
Variations to Busy Boxes

• Discovery Bottles
• File Folder Games
• Busy Bags
• Magnetic Trays

10

• NOW
• Lets get

Busy