B USY B OXES : N OT J UST B USY W ORK Presenter Pam Morris

BUSY BOXES Medium-sized box or bag that contains premade activities created to stimulate the minds of children of a specific age and developmental level.

W HO … CAN USE THEM ?? Children can use busy boxes or busy bags Individually Peer Partners Small Groups Large Groups

H OW … TO USE BUSY BOXES Children can use busy boxes or busy bags individually where the child chooses, manipulates, and completes a self chosen box or bag. with a peer partner, tutorial partner, or volunteering partner who works together on a collaboratively chosen box or bag. within a small group where the teacher may be reinforcing a new skill or concept. He/she may choose to utilize a “busy box” activity in a small group environment. Retrospectively, the box may be added to individual or partner boxes later. during large group instruction under the supervision of their teacher. It may be used to introduce a new skill or concept.

W HAT … TO USE IN BUSY BOXES items that are age appropriate items that are of interest to children items that can be used independently without assistance items that can be manipulated quietly items that can be easily cleaned up by children items that are open-ended items that are inexpensive and easily replaceable

W HERE … T O USE BUSY BOXES OR BAGS At the student’s table or desk On a carpet At a chosen “quite place” At a small table Outside At home as a “take home” activity This can really depend on the activity and the students and teachers personality.

W HEN AND W HY … SHOULD BUSY BOXES OR BAGS BE USED Use busy boxes or bags at a scheduled time, perhaps 15 to 20 minutes intervals. Use busy boxes to introduce old skills or reinforce old ones. Use busy boxes to strengthen grip and enhance finger control. The benefit of these exciting little boxes or bags is designed to stimulate their little minds and develop fine motor skills. Remember NOT to over use busy boxes or bags.

“K IDOODLE ” B ASKETS ( ALSO CALLED P ROP B OXES ) o Group alternative to busy boxes o Can be used within small groups, with a partner, or indiviaually o Can be designed to reflect holiday/seasonal themes, specific content areas, or children’s literature

V ARIATIONS TO B USY B OXES Discovery Bottles File Folder Games Busy Bags Magnetic Trays

NOW… Let’s get Bus y