One thing I can't get enough of for the children is open ended toys. It always amazes me the amount of learning and play opportunities the children create from toys that don't have a set outcome or purpose. Construction toys are a firm favourite here in particular our Connetix Tiles. They are played with daily. The boys have short attention spans often fleeting from one activity to the other. The Connetix Tiles hold their attention for sometimes an hour or more - unheard of for them usually.
Recycled Cardboard Small World
Recycled Milk Carton Igloos
As they are played with so much I like to think of different ways to play with them and extend the opportunities further. I popped this activity together in less than 15 minutes and the children were thrilled with them.
Just before lockdown started I shared over on Instagram 3 giant boxes I managed to get hold of. I was over the moon as boxes are again so open ended. I knew they would prove to be a good asset to play whilst stuck at home in lock down and I wasn't wrong.
The boxes had been played with so much over the course of the last 3 weeks. Inevitably they started to tear and instead of repairing them I wanted to use the cardboard for some crafts and activities, this being one of them.
Recycled Canvas Painting
Recycled Popsicle Stick Fairy Doors
Recycled Canvas Painting
Recycled Popsicle Stick Fairy Doors
I placed some of the Connetix Tiles down on the cardboard and drew around the formations. I used a pair of scissors to cut out the formation which was a chore to be honest.
I would highly recommend carefully using a blade to saw through the cardboard if you have one. Cutting away from you and making sure fingers are well out of the way.
Recycled Nature Heart Collection Cards
Recycled Lid Heart Sun Catchers
I would highly recommend carefully using a blade to saw through the cardboard if you have one. Cutting away from you and making sure fingers are well out of the way.
Recycled Nature Heart Collection Cards
Recycled Lid Heart Sun Catchers
My 3 loved this activity so much I plan to make some more. I have 3 children as many of you know 7 years old and two nearly 4 year olds.
You can see more of the Connetix Tiles were have here. We have a set of 100 which is a nice starter size for up to 3 children.
What's great about this activity is you can make a variety of formations and make them as challenging as the abilities of your children.
Cardboard Easels with Nature
Recycled Dental Props
Cardboard Easels with Nature
Recycled Dental Props
I like that you can create this challenge using recycled materials too. Something we are really working hard to get creative with - recycled materials.
Recycled Egg Carton Bird Feeders
Recycled Carton Bird Feeders
Recycled Egg Carton Bird Feeders
Recycled Carton Bird Feeders
Lets see this activity in action:
The cardboard puzzle problems I made can be used over and over.
I am going to challenge them to make 3D structures too using the 2D formation as the base. Lots of ways to play and have fun, using recycled materials.
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