That old junk you have lying around is an activity waiting to happen…
One man’s junk is another man’s freaking awesome toddler activity. I am pretty 99% sure that’s how the phrase goes. In any event, I put together an amazing tinker box for my son the other day and we have now hit the hours of play mark with it. You have to build one of these!
A tinker box is a terrific way to invite your child to engineer, imagine, and create. With a tinker box, the possibilities for their ideas are endless.
Grab a tub: let’s make a tinker box!
Materials:
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- Tub or container
- junk from around your house
When I was building this tinker box, I was specifically looking for items I thought might inspire my son. Items that could hook together, come apart, and be made into something new all together. This definitely wasn’t a sensory box; this was a box designed to invent and create with.
I had high hopes that my son would enjoy this and right I was! We are going on 4 days with this silly old thing and every time he goes to it, he stays for up to 20 minutes. That’s a lot of minutes for a lot of junk!
Here’s some of what’s in my bin:
- Dishwasher hose (an old one)
- Styrofoam
- Plant containers
- Bungee cord
- Pipe cleaners
- Wrenches
- Glue and Tape
- Toilet paper tubes
- String
- Clothes pin
Obviously, I put much, much more into this kit, but you get the idea. What I’m loving is the fine motor skills work he’s doing with all the projects he’s creating. I’m also totally into the reasoning, logic, and problem solving as he works pieces together and designs his latest invention.
Not to be outdone, but Baby Sister (15 months) is also loving this box. She’s been seen quite a few times tinkering herself – I can’t wait until she’s old enough to really join her brother in the building and design process.
If you have a spare few minutes, a kiddo who needs a project, and some extra junk lying around – the tinker box is your kind of activity! In just under 5 minutes, I created a box of inviting equipment for my son to work with – and bought myself a whole lot of independent toddler play time too!
Interested in other STEM ideas? Try making a Robot Box, Building Block STEM Challenge Cards or Building Block Maze Activity.
Have you made a tinker box for your kids?
Chelsea @ Life With My Littles says
What a cute idea! I’m sure my son would love this! He loves saying he’s Bob the Builder and playing with his little tools. I think we’ll have to try this out!