BUSY BOX - a SENSORY DEVELOPMENT TOY

Intro: BUSY BOX - a SENSORY DEVELOPMENT TOY

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!

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.

Comments

[zaViRus]

Love this build! Will be doing something very similar for my autistic son's school. Thanks so much for sharing, and I love how well thought out both this project, and your responses have been!

[JoeF]

Best of wishes to your son. I find this project very helpful in helping my grandson develop his motor skills.
Thanks for your kind words

[wclapie]

I question one or two items here as to if they are baby safe or not. The latch hook for instance. I do like the build and it is for the most part well thought out. An at home/made fisher price toy!

[JoeF]

Thank you for your positive comment. The latch hook is safe for a 1 year old +. I can say this from my grandson’s use. The items on the board are set up for different levels. The box can be disassembled to create 4 individual boards. Any and all these boards should be used with parental supervision so as to instruct the child/grandchild in proper handling of different items.
The progress your child makes, also depends on parental guidance.
Thanks for your kind words.

[veritas3]

I love that you made this for your grandchildren! I might call it a Very Busy Box, though. It might be sensory overload to have so many things on it. Is there a way to put less things on each panel, but make the panels demountable so that they can be changed out? The children get to experience all the sensory objects, just not all at the same time. But this change would only be necessary if you see your grandkids staring at it and not playing with it; if that happens, maybe simplify the panels and change them out over time. But if they are can't keep their hands off it, you hit the spot for them! Every object on it is wonderful.

[JoeF]

The panels are individually made with #8 screws holding all 4 panels together. 4 toys in 1. The panels are designed to be tougher as they progress. When all 4 panels are together it gives the child an opportunity to investigate and explore. Thanks for your interest. JoeF👍

[Amea Benabei]

This is a wonderfully thought out sensory box.
My granddaughter will love this. I can't wait to do something similar for her. Making it a family project we can all gather supplies, paint the panels, and assemble. Then enjoy watching her explore and learn. Thank you.

[JoeF]

Enjoy the adventure.

[jwilliamsen]

This is very cool, and I can tell you from experience that it will be a "toy" that last for years and something your grandchild will remember the rest of their lives. I built a "busy wall" for a friend's son when he was about 2-1/2 years old - same concept with some different puzzles, etc. He is 24 now and still talks about how much he loved that wall of "stuff to do" - and how he credits it with his willingness to take on DIY and repair projects and engendered his love for "how things work".

[JoeF]

My grandson uses this often. Thank you for your input. I hope others have the same view of the box.