Books
Books can be used to create a tower to support hand-eye co-ordination, problem-solving skills and critical thinking skills. This is a good activity for children aged 2-4-years-old. Books can be integrated into other play, for example when playing with cars children can use the books create a road or if playing with animals they can use the different colours of books to represent a farm or countryside. Up-cycle old books to create decorations for example by covering an old jar or pot with old book pages stick them on to create a pen pot or flower jar. This is a good activity for children aged 5-8-years-old. Old books can be cut up into different shapes and patterns to use in craft ideas or decorate the front cover of the books. This activity can support children’s mathematical development from learning about different shapes as well as supporting their cutting skills. This is a good activity for children aged 5-8-years-old.
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Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard boxes can be given to babies for them to explore their different shapes, textures. A cardboard box could be used to create castles or small world play houses and props, you are able to design it however you like and can use other materials such as glitter, fabric, paint or paper to add more colour. This is a good activity for children aged 4-8-years-old. Cardboard boxes can be used to design a car, tractor or other vehicle. This can be achieved by drawing, painting or sticking on the shapes of the design, or simply letting the children use their imaginations. This is a lovely activity for children aged 1-5-years-old.
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Blankets
Blankets can be used to create a den to play in. This can be achieved by draping it over chairs or using sticks and poles to hold it up. This activity is good for children of all ages, however best for 6-8-year-olds to create the dens themselves. Blankets can be used as capes when fancy dressing and engaging in role play. This is a good activity for children aged 3-7-years-old. Blankets can be placed on the floor for babies to crawl on and enjoy being on the floor with something sensory.
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Cushions
Cushions can be used to create a mini house or create dens to play in (you can add other items such as blankets or fairy lights). This is exciting for children aged 3-8-years-old. A cushion could be used as a shield when children are role playing. Old cushions can be used to practice sewing skills by either practicing sewing patterns or by sewing on patches of other materials. Old cushions can also be used to make small patterns. This is a good creative activity for children aged 6-8-years-old.
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