Introduction: BUSY BOX - a SENSORY DEVELOPMENT TOY

About: Love my hobbies

The "BUSY BOX" concept has been around for years. The concept was first presented in the form of a bag or box. It contained items like bells, balls, wheels, cups, buckets, sand and/or shovels. The concept is to provide activities for toddlers and older children to develop their sensory skills. Sensory skills include fine motor skills (through tactile learning). The "BUSY BOX" I have created is not only a TOY but is also a learning tool for children and grandchildren.

The purpose for using the "BUSY BOX" is to have children/grandchildren: Develop individual independent play skills, Imagination development, Fine motor skills, Tactile learning and developing self control. This BOX is child driven.

Every child learns at different levels and speed. This 4 (four) in 1 (one) Toy has four panels which can be presented one at a time, or all four panels can be build into a BOX form. I chose to build this as a BOX. Once completed I presented it to my grandchild. To my surprise he jumped at it right away. His bulging eyes told me that he was thrilled with it.

This Instructable is designed so that the components chosen for the BOX can be customized to meet the child/grandchild's needs level. There is no such thing as using the wrong objects to teach our children. Use your imagination and know-how to customize this developmental TOY for your kids or grandkids.

HAVE FUN AND ENJOY THIS BUILD!

Supplies

MATERIALS and SUPPLIES:

4 pieces - 17" Wide x 15-3/4" Long x 5/8" Thick - Smooth Plywood (for PANELS)

1 piece - 16" Wide x 12" Long x 1/2" Thick - Smooth Plywood (for LATCHES AND HINGES)

16 - #8 x 1-1/2" cabinet screws

3 sets of 1/2" or 3/4" brass hinges (for operating doors/locksets)

Miscellaneous mounting screws and hardware

Paint - Four Colors. I chose Red, Dark Blue, Yellow and Light Blue

CA Wood Glue (Follow instructions and warnings on the label)

TOOLS NEEDED:

SAFETY GLASSES, DUSTMASK, RUBBER GLOVES

Tape Measure, pencil, rule and drawings

Circular Saw

Cordless Drill with various drill bits and #8 countersink tapered drill bit

Orbital Sander with assorted grit sanding discs (100, 120, 150, 220)

. . . . . and a Penny . . . . .yes! for learning the value of children development.

COMPONENTS FOR THE BUSY BOX: Four (4) Panels

LIGHT BLUE: (Level 1) Basic hand eye coordination

Door Stop (spring), Easy button or similar (voice/sound when pressed), Light switch, convex mirror, pvc shutoff valve, door knocker, spinner, 2" wheel, roller, faucet handle, sliding door latch, door knob, hook and eye latch, 7-day pillbox and wood roller.

DARK BLUE: (Level 2) Basic sounds and push/pull exercises

Remote control, sliding door latch, cabinet knob, various lengths plastic chain, miscellaneous round, oval, plastic and metal rings (use your imagination), click button, squeeze horn from bicycle, door bell button, bell on rope and chain/hook belt.

YELLOW: (Level3) Intermediate - Pulleys, blocks, and ball drops

3" PVC T- and 45 degree street Elbow, cup, ball, rope, knobs for lever points, round pill box for color identification, combination lock and pulley system

RED: (Level 4) Advanced hand eye coordination

4 (color push buttons and switch panel (assembled by maker), clock that a child can move the hands( I had a McDonald clock), bicycle ringer bell, calculator, zipper, belt(cut down to use buckle), cabinet knob, suitcase latches, lock (key type or combination type, and shoe look-alike pattern with eye hooks for eyelets which teaches a child to tie shoes. Don't forget the shoelace (14" min length)

Other objects may be substituted for accommodating a child's/grandchild's ability level. Remember this is a Learning Toy not a FINAL EXAM. ENJOY and Good Luck!

Step 1: Mark and Cut Components

This is the simplest step of this Instructable.

DO NOT FORGET SAFETY GLASSES AND DUST MASK

Transfer the dimensions onto the plywood for the 4 pieces of 5/8" plywood (17" x 15 3/4" each Panel.) (Parts A,B,C, and D) as per diagram

CUT THE (4) FOUR PIECES OF 5/8" PLYWOOD (A,B,C, and D)

Transfer the dimensions onto the plywood for the 4 pieces of 1/2" plywood for the Latches and Locks (total size of 1/2" plywood needed is 16" x 12") and . . . . .

CUT INTO 4 PIECES AS FOLLOWS: (Part E)

*a. 3" x 10" for yellow board pulley assembly

*b. 9" x 6" for dark blue board door safety latch assembly

*c. 6" x 6" for light blue board door sliding latch and hook/latch lock

*d. 4" x 6" for red board board suitcase type latches and knob.

Next cut each off 1-1/2" off the above (3) pieces of 1/2" plywood (b. c. and d.) as per diagram.

THIS WOULD BE A GOOD TIME TO SAND THE CUT PIECES USIN ORBITAL SANDER and VARIOUS DISCS




Step 2: Gathering and Layout of Components

The simplest way to approach this STEP is to gather components as listed above and lay them out on each board.

Each panel should be designed for a higher level of Development. You as the MAKER is in control of who and what level of child development you are aiming for.

The Components are shown on various pictures as provide. Some of the panels have been changed from initial layout.


Step 3: FINAL FINISH and ASSEMBLY

First paint and finish to your liking. Again, I painted each panel a different color (red, yellow, dark blue, light blue and the swinging doors - white.)

Now that you're done painting it is time to assemble the panels.

Once the panels were completed, I decided that it was best for my needs, ( 2 year old grandson), to assemble them into a four-sided BUSY BOX. This style allows him the ability to explore past his level of sensory development.

Please compare (pictures of) all the finished panels and decide for yourself which way to go. (separate panels vs. Box type)

Step 4: FINAL THOUGHTS

One has to decide what is important in life. To me it is providing opportunities for my grandchildren to develop not only physically but also mentally. A sensory BUSY BOX is easy for our children and grandchildren to utilize and provide a high level of return for our investment.

ENJOY THE "BUSY BOX" and continue to create.

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