While many of us have seen different busy board options, have you thought about all of the great everyday learning tools just laying around your house that can be used on or off a busy board. Recently I scoured our house for random items such as buckles, clips, zippers, and more that are common in everyday life, but can be used for learning in kids.
What did I find? (Not all are pictured)
This post contains links to products I recommend and/or our family uses regularly and we may receive a commission.
- A simple velcro travel wallet
- A strap with a buckle clip (From a broken backpack)
- Some simple sliding belt fasteners
- A Travel Lock
- Binder rings
- A retractable eraser
- Rope from a torn gift bag
- Clothespins
- A Carabiner
- Zippers
- Ribbon and Shoelaces
- Even Napkins are great under supervision
- and more…
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| Items used for sensory and tactile play for babies and toddlers |
One more idea that can be used across early ages and into early elementary… Use aloe gel for sensory activities. For sensory tubs and for baby sensory bags, use food grade aloe vera gel so that kids get to feel the gelatin-goopy feeling.
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| Again, the original idea of Baby Sensory Bags was not my own. Aloe Vera and Larger items like Half dollars and Large clips and the sort are my own. |
I adapted the baby sensory bag to include larger items and be filled with aloe vera gel. Why? Babies are fast and he split second you aren’t look is probably when they will bust open the pouch you’ve made for them and they’re will eat the hair gel and little items. This way they won’t choke or ingest toxic substances.
Once your kids are old enough to know not to choke on items, you can use smaller objects and once babies are eating food, use the aloe gel in a tub so they can actually feel the slime.
Kara is an author and advocate for positive, grace-filled parenting. She is homeschooler to her 5 children living on a farm in New England. She believes in creative educational approaches to help kids dive deeper into a rich learning experience and has her degree in Secondary Education & Adolescent Childhood Development. She is passionate about connecting with and helping other parents on their journey to raise awesome kids!
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