11 Apr Ideas using Egg Boxes
Most families eat eggs and perhaps we don’t give the box/ tray, a second glance before we recycle it.
This is your invitation to look in a different way from today.
Why? They are my most loved and favourite “free” and “EGG CEPTIONAL” resource for parents and teachers. Every size egg box/ tray can be used in so many different ways, as they are incredibly versatile.
I have used the 36 tray with children up to, and including, Grade 6. I have marvelled at how they create baseboards from the trays for maths, date collecting, literacy, and much more. They get to design and do.
When we use the boxes, trays, together with a variety of objects such as kokis, buttons, smarties, popcorn, straws cut into different lengths, etc. we can play so many different games at whatever age and stage.
For example: Egg boxes make excellent sorting boxes.
Place all the objects in the lid and sort the items of your choice according to the colour / the shape / the size / the length / the number, etc.
Sort the items using fingers / ice tongs / tweezers.
Write or draw the numbers, number names or dot patterns into the depression and use smarties, coloured buttons, etc. to match accordingly.
Place, for example, a piece of popcorn / an acorn / a small stone in the egg box. Close and shake. Open and call out the colour / the shape / the number / the number name the e.g. button has landed on.
Place, for example, two buttons in the box. Shake. Open and call out both numbers. Older children can add the two numbers /multiply the numbers. Use three buttons and do the same.
Other ideas include:
- Construct something using the egg boxes. Toddles love stacking them!
- Paint the boxes
- Tear the boxes
- Cut the boxes
- Thread the boxes
- Encourage your toddler to walk on the boxes. It’s a great sensory activity.
- Hammer golf tees into the lid.
- Turn the box into a musical instrument. A shaker, a plucking instrument, etc. use elastic bands, cellotape.
- Read the writing on the box. Find the number 6 on the box. Ask:
- How many chickens are on the box?
- Can you think of a word that rhymes with box? Can you think of a word that rhymes with egg? Leg, beg, meg. Nonsense words are fine.
(Note: We are looking for what sounds the same. They do not have to make sense.)
And remember: YOU are an EGG CEPTIONAL adult!
Why? Because you are encouraging more play, more creativity, and even more connection through play.