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Busy Box

Lesson plan developed by Aurora Tollestrup BS Ed.
Activity:  
Busy Box
Age Group:
Preschool
Picture
Busy Box
Objectives:  
  • Students will create using open-ended materials
CDA Competency Standard:   
II.5.2a
  • Materials and equipment stimulate children’s thinking and problem-solving.
a)     Materials and equipment provide a variety of opportunities for cognitive development
Online Courses
Early Literacy 
(1 hour / .1 CEU)
Tuition: $10.50 

Assessing Preschoolers with Special Needs
(3 hour / .3 CEU)
Tuition: $31.50
Materials: 
  • Small tool box
  • Assorted items such as bolts, nuts, washers, straws, pebbles, cardboard tubes, styrofoam pieces, rubber bands, bottle caps, paper clips, clothespins, corks, etc.
Procedure: 
  • Invite children to create anything they would like using the materials in the box. Keep the busy box on its own table where children have ample room to create. It may be helpful to have books or photos of possible creations or inspirations.
Assessment: 
  • Assess students in their problem-solving and adaptations using the provided items.
Click on the photos to enlarge.

Student-Led Dramatic Play Centers

Picture
Flowers
Create a flower shop with artificial flowers, plastic vases, butcher paper to wrap bouquets, cash register, aprons, order forms

Animals 
Create a veterinary clinic with stuffed puppies, kittens, birds, bunnies, mice, etc. along with toy stethoscope, bandages, thermometers and more

Dinosaurs
Create a dinosaur dig site with toy dinosaur bones covered in sand or dirt along with paintbrushes, safari hats, vests, clipboards with paper and pencils, gauze to wrap the unearthed bones with

Fishing
Create a lake from blue paper taped to the ground, cardboard fish cut outs with magnets, toy fishing poles with paper clips on the ends, a fisherman’s vest, and a net

Gift Giving
Create a giftwrapping station with empty boxes, tape, safety scissors, wrapping paper and tissue paper