Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Ball in a Box Boredom Buster

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This ball in a box boredom buster for kids is such a simple idea and uses only two items. And it ended up being the perfect activity for two year old K. He played with it for many days! It encouraged gross motor play, which just happened to fit this month's theme of "Motor Skills" for the Light & Reflections series

Gross motor boredom buster idea for toddlers using a glow ball - teaches kids about cause and effect from And Next Comes L

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Simple Boredom Buster Idea for Kids: Ball in a Box

For this ball in a box boredom buster, we used:

  • Flashing Spiky Ball - My husband seems to bring these home from conferences all of the time, but the one we used was from the Target Dollar Spot.
  • Clear plastic container with lid
Simply put the ball in the box and shake! We tried it in and out of the dark, as seen below.

Gross motor boredom buster: playing with a glow ball in a box from And Next Comes L

Gross motor boredom buster: playing with a glow ball in a box from And Next Comes L

The ball will eventually light up as long as the box is shaken just right.

Gross motor boredom buster: playing with a glow ball in a box from And Next Comes L

Gross motor boredom buster: playing with a glow ball in a box from And Next Comes L

K liked to open the clear tote every time the ball started flashing. Opening the latches just happens to be great fine motor practice for him too!

Gross motor boredom buster: playing with a glow ball in a box from And Next Comes L

Other Ideas You'll Love

Scarf Weaving Fine Motor Activity

Glow Stick Drumming

50+ Simple Play Ideas Using 1-2 Materials

Check out these other motor skills posts from this month's Light & Reflections series:

Giant Window Calculator from Still Playing School
Weaving with Straws on the Light Table from Where Imagination Grows

Next month's theme will be All About Me. You can also follow this series on the Light & Reflections Series board on Pinterest.

Light & Reflections Series Lineup for 2014 at And Next Comes L

Gross motor boredom buster idea for toddlers that teaches kids about cause and effect from And Next Comes L