Busy bags can be a life saver when you're out and about or travelling - and I love to make my own (sometimes rather haphazardly thrown together). But if you'd like someone else to do that for you (who also has a teaching background I might add) then look no further than Bianca from Flying Sprout.
So Miss M got busy testing them out - and I got to thinking about how they could be easily adapted to suit children of various ages and abilities with a few simple alterations.
*Kindly gifted for the purpose of this review
*Not sponsored
Orange Busy Bag
Task - sort the coloured paper clips into colour groups and attach them (or just place them) on to the coloured cards.
Skills - sorting, colour identification, counting, fine motor, language.
To make it easier - simply place and sort the cards and paper clips into coloured tubs (see image below)
To make it harder - link the paperclips together in a pattern to make a chain.
We had a lot of discussion about favourite colours and the objects of each colour prompted by the flashcards. Sliding the paper clips onto the cards was still a bit tricky for Miss M so we'll keep practising that (as well as learning how to link them together). We even matched them up with the instruction card and then made a blue/purple pattern. Miss M watched carfeully as I linked them together to make a chain (I think this was her favourite part).
Pineapple Busy Bag
Task - thread the beads onto the string.
Skills - fine motor, pattern, sorting, counting
To make it easier - just focus one one colour or hold the bead for your child while they thread the string though.
To make it harder - thread every single bead onto the string and count how many all together. Create more complex patterns (AA BB, or ABC etc...)
Miss M decided that she was going to make me necklace and that I wasn't allowed to watch (not ideal for blog photography but oh well)! She called me back when it was finished and I was then allowed to take my photo. Thoughtfully, she made it all green for me (my favourite colour) and then I made one for her. The beads are a great size for preschoolers and are easy to thread. A great way to keep them busy, encourage concentration and fine motor skills.
Apple Busy Bag
Task - Arrange the pop sticks in numerical order and then stick the correct number of paper clips on to the magnetic strip
Skills - counting, numeral identification, 1:1 correspondence + explore objects that are magnetic!
To make it easier - remove numbers 6-10 and just focus on 1-5
To make it harder - link all of the paper clips together and count the total. Come up with different ways to make 10 (eg 3 + 7, 4 + 6 etc...).
I loved watching Miss M when she was playing with this busy bag. She would test out every number and say "does 6 go here? no... does 7 go here? no..." until she got to the right one.
Do you have a go to busy bag or activity that you throw in your bag as you walk out the door with the kids?
Lauren xx
Nice post thank you for share this information.
ReplyDeletevisit here
Final Fantasy 11 was tough as nails. The version we can play in 2021 is accommodating, the end result of nearly two decades of quality of life improvements. And enough ffxi gil paypal will help you get more fun in-game.
ReplyDelete