So, you’ve got a little ball of energy on your hands and you’re looking for something to keep them occupied? Let me introduce you to busy boards for toddlers! This ingenious contraption is like a playground in a box complete with buttons to push, knobs to twist, and doors to open to excite their little minds and keep those tiny hands busy.
As any parent or caregiver of a toddler knows, keeping these little busy bees occupied can sometimes feel like a full-time job. Busy boards are designed to engage, entertain, and educate your little ones. They’ve become a popular tool for parents and caregivers to engage their kids in sensory play.
Related: 8 Best Montessori Books For Toddlers
What is a Busy Board?
A busy board, also known as an activity board or sensory board, is a versatile educational toy with various interactive pieces for toddlers to explore. The items can include switches, buttons, zippers, locks, and more. The purpose of a busy board is to provide a stimulating, hands-on experience that promotes fine motor skills, cognitive development, and sensory exploration.
Think of it as a mini adventure land filled with knobs to twist, buttons to push, zippers to zip, and levers to pull. It’s like a toddler-sized obstacle course that will challenge their fine motor skills and cognitive development while keeping them entertained for hours.
Related: Montessori-Inspired Gift Ideas For Toddlers
Why Busy Boards Are Great For Toddlers
Busy boards are more than just a fun distraction for toddlers; they offer a range of developmental benefits:
- Independence: Busy boards offer toddlers the chance to explore and play independently. This fosters a sense of independence and can boost confidence as children achieve small milestones on their own.
- Sensory Exploration: Many busy boards add different textures, sounds, and visual elements that engage kids. This helps toddlers learn about cause and effect.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Engaging with unique elements on the busy board encourages problem-solving. Whether it’s figuring out how to open a latch or match a shape to a corresponding slot, toddlers are constantly learning to think critically.
- Attention Span and Focus: A busy board can capture a toddler’s attention and keep them engaged for extended periods.
- Fine Motor Skills Development: Busy boards are packed with different components that encourage toddlers to use their fingers and hands. These activities help develop fine motor skills which are essential for tasks like writing and buttoning clothes.
Related: Imagination Play Ideas For Toddlers
How to Make Your DIY Busy Board
Creating a busy board can be a fun DIY project. Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Gather Materials
You’ll need a sturdy base (like a wooden board or a large canvas), as well as a variety of materials to add to the board. Some common materials include:
- Latches and locks
- Zippers and buttons
- Wheels and gears
- Mirrors
- Different textures (felt, sandpaper, fabric)
- Light switches
- Small containers or boxes
2. Plan Your Layout
Sketch out a rough design of where you want to place each item. Consider including a variety of textures, colors, and interactive features to keep things interesting.
3. Attach Components
Use strong glue or screws to attach the components to the base. Make sure all parts are securely fastened and free from sharp edges.
4. Test for Safety
Before allowing your toddler to play with the busy board, double-check that all elements are safe for them to explore. Ensure there are no small parts that could be a choking hazard and that all items are firmly attached.
5. Customize
Feel free to add personal touches or elements that reflect your child’s interests. For example, if they love animals, you could include animal-themed buttons or pictures.
Related: Interactive 4-Year-Old Chore Chart
DIY Busy Board Ideas
Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Shape Sorting: Incorporate different shapes and corresponding slots for toddlers to match and sort.
- Button Board: Create a section with various types of buttons, from push buttons to snap buttons.
- Sensory: Add elements like a mini sensory bin or a section with different textures.
- Gear: Include simple gear mechanisms that toddlers can turn and watch in action.
- Interactive Puzzles: Add a few easy puzzles for toddlers to solve.
- Mirror Fun: A small, shatterproof mirror can be great for toddlers to explore their reflections.
Related: 6 Of The Best Balance Board Options For Kids
Busy Boards For Toddlers
LED Big Busy Board– This is the first activity board for kids we purchased and my son fell in love with this one. It’s a sensory board that will keep them busy with number identification, grinding gears to LED lights to turn on and off.
Felt Toddler Busy Board– If you need a busy board for on-the-go this one might do the trick. It’s felt and carries like a briefcase with 91 pieces. From shapes, and weather to shoe laces. The Gojmzo is another good option with 21 learning activities.
Toddler Busy Cube– A kid’s busy board that’s built differently from the rest. It’s a wooden handmade cube with all the bells and whistles to enhance motor skills, problem-solving, and cause and effect. Mazes, wooden balls with numbers, gears, and more.
Large Toddler Busy Board– A beautiful oversized busy board for toddlers and you can have it personalized. Pick from 6 themes: Farm, Pastel Rainbow, Busy Park, Pastel Girl, Khaki, and Ocean.
Personalized Board– If you’re looking for a sensory board that’s more on the simpler side this should do the trick. Comes in 3 color options: khaki, pink, and blue.
Natural Busy Board– The ultimate busy board which comes in 6 different sizes from 30 x 40 cm to 100 x 60 cm. Bells, numbers, zippers and there’s even a telephone on the bigger option. Personalize it with primary and secondary colors and add a name.
Related: What Is A Learning Tower And The Best Options
Tips for Choosing Busy Boards
If you’re considering buying a busy board instead of making one, here are some tips for selecting the best one:
- Safety First: Supervise, supervise, supervise. Toddlers have a knack for finding trouble wherever they go. Keep a close eye on your kids while they’re playing with the busy board to prevent any potential mishaps. Ensure all components are secured.
- Age Appropriateness: Choose a busy board with features appropriate for your child’s age and developmental stage.
- Variety of Activities: Look for boards that offer a mix of activities to keep your child engaged.
- Quality over Quantity: It’s better to have fewer, well-made features than a lot of poorly constructed ones.
Related: Toddler Essentials For Everyday Use
Busy boards are a great way to support your toddler’s development while keeping them entertained. Whether you choose to make your own or buy a ready-made version, there are countless ways to customize a busy board to fit your child’s needs and interests. With a variety of interactive features and sensory experiences, busy boards offer a fun and educational way for toddlers to learn and grow.
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