If there is one thing parents know about toddlers, it is that they have a short attention span. They are unpredictable, too, so if you are headed somewhere and you want to keep them busy, it is best to have a number of options for them to choose from.
Busy boxes for toddlers, then, need to have a variety of different options. If you are taking them with you, it also must be easily portable! Here are some of the things I do to keep organized when preparing a busy box for my toddler.
First, it should be known that I have dozens of different printable activities for my toddler, from matching games to file folder and magnet sets. I also have some manipulatives-based activities, including letter tile template and geoshapes patterns pages. To keep myself somewhat organized, I bought a number of plastic milk crates, manila clasp envelopes, hanging file folders, and plastic file envelopes. (Afflilate links.)
When I make and/or print out a new activity, I file it away in this crate. When it is time to pack our traveling busy box, I just need to select the activities that we want right now and pack them into our activity box.
I got the activity box at a craft store. It was less than $10, and although I cannot find a similar one online to link to, I’ll say my main criteria was finding a box with a space large enough for my 8×10 file folders! It has two other compartments, which makes it handy for taking the manipulatives along too. I make sure to pack the flat items first, then we pack the larger manipulatives and games on top. It snaps closed, and has a carry handle for transporting wherever we need to go!
With our busy box with us, Strawberry enjoys having her games and activities handy wherever school takes us for big brother. So far it has worked very well! Although occasionally we also bring larger manipulatives in another container, this one works well most of the time!
What do you do for your toddler busy box organization?
Great News! I have a giveaway to offer to you. Here is something you can put in your busy box to help teach your kids. Join the giveaway below!
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Every Wednesday, come here to link up your workbox/busy bag/busy box posts. If you cannot post it on Wednesday, don’t worry. The linky is open all month. So link up your workbox posts and let us know what you do to teach your kids and keep them busy. Please visit my co-hosts at Chestnut Grove Academy and Tots and Me as well! What is in your workbox this week?
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