In case you missed it, last week I shared 7 Fun Ways to Play with Ball-pit Balls on the blog. There are some really fun and inexpensive ideas, so be sure to check them out. But first, I wanted to share my own 'Colour Sorting Box' I made for my son, inspired by this post. Here's a little tutorial of how you can make one of these Colour Sorting Boxes for your toddler. Enjoy!
You will need:
A box (I used an old beer box)
A box (I used an old beer box)
Paper
Glue
Scissors
Craft knife
Sharpies
Ball-pit balls
Flexi-tub
Pen holder or a cup (to trace around)
Here's what you do
1. Draw 4 circles on the box. I traced around a pen holder because it was big enough for the ball to drop through. Using a craft knife, carefully cut out each of the circles. I also cut off the cardboard from one end of the box, and left the other end closed.
Sharpies
Ball-pit balls
Flexi-tub
Pen holder or a cup (to trace around)
Here's what you do
1. Draw 4 circles on the box. I traced around a pen holder because it was big enough for the ball to drop through. Using a craft knife, carefully cut out each of the circles. I also cut off the cardboard from one end of the box, and left the other end closed.
2. Decorate the box with white paper, glue it and leave to dry for a few minutes. Any excess paper, cut and fold over to the inside of the box, this will leave tidy edges.
3. Originally, I wanted circular holes, however the way I did this next step, it gave me more of an octagon shape, but that's okay. Where there is a pre-cut hole, pierce the middle of the paper and cut it to resemble a pie (cut into 8 pieces). With each triangle, fold it under and glue down (again, this will give you tidier edges).
4. Find a bigger circular shape to trace around and using coloured Sharpies (matching the colours of the balls), draw a circle around the pre-cut hole and colour it in. I drew some bunting in the corner to make it look super cute. Doesn't it look cute?
5. I used a 3M Poster Strip to stick the box to the wall, and popped a green flexi-tub underneath, so the balls can drop in to it, instead of on the floor. Because it is only stuck to the wall by a poster strip, if my son wants to play with it on the ground, he can.
Now your toddler is ready to colour sort, and have fun doing it.
My son loves putting the balls into the coloured holes, and watching them drop into the tub, then repeating over and over. He has a lot of fun, and best of all, he is learning at the same time At 19 months old, he is making great progress with this colour sorting skills.
Charlene
Super cute--and easy--idea! I know my kid would have loved this when they were littles. And it doesn't cost much, either!
ReplyDeleteIt really is cute and easy to make. Every thing I needed was already in the home. Winning :) Keeps my little one entertained for ages.
DeleteAnother great idea Charlene!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Lydia.
DeleteWhat a great idea. Looks pretty simple too, even someone uncrafty like me could even manage this. Thanks for the inspiration
ReplyDeleteSorry for the delayed reply! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! That's why I love it! It's super easy to make!
DeleteThat is a fab idea - we have lots of ball pit balls - great to have other things to use them for! Thanks for sharing #ToddlerFunFriday
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Sarah :) Have fun!
DeleteWhat a brilliant idea - it kind of reminds me of those fete games where you have to throw the ball through the hole to win a prize... actually theres an idea - I could make a bigger version of this for the boys. Awesome sauce - thanks chick! xx
ReplyDeleteThought I already replied to your comment!! Oops sorry! My partner uses it as a Colour Toss Activity from afar! Big Kid! Have you heard of Cornhole? Totally check it out! Your boys will LOVE it!
DeleteThis is a fun activity and any chance to use my fun colored sharpies makes it even better.
ReplyDeleteI had a lot of fun using my Sharpies and making it pretty!
DeleteThis is so cute and so easy. My daughter will love this. I need to dig the cardboard box out of the trash that I just threw out. Thanks for sharing on #ToddlerFunFriday.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ali! Have fun! I know your girl will love it! My son does.
DeleteThanks for linking up this up at #made4kids! Cardboard boxes make the best toys. I often joke that we should forgo the toys and just give the kids boxes. They can have hours of fun with them.
ReplyDeleteI agree!! Imagine all the money we will save! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteWhat a great idea! Might have to try this out with No. 3 this summer. Thanks for sharing with the #BlogFair.
ReplyDelete