Children have wonderful imaginations! They might imagine that the box is a tool shed and carry all the tools in, or a hospital where they will take a sick baby -enabling children to engage in early role-play. This type of role-play is important for developing children’s imagination and early conversation and language skills.
When you are a child, a box can be anything you want it to be! Don’t underestimate your child’s need for time out, and away from all the overstimulation that often goes hand in hand with Christmas (and busy life in general!)
Children love to make and talk about shadows. Many of us remember making shadows with our hands in the dark against the lamplight. There is great opportunity here for scientific and mathematical investigation around size, shape, light and dark.
Make images and patterns on the wall of the box by poking or punching holes. Shine the light through the holes. Children are very creative and see the world somewhat differently than adults. It is our job to support their creativity and engage children’s investigative minds! Try not to impose your ideas on the child, or see creativity as a time when you need to always produce an end product such as a painting.
Children like to test how high they can build a tower, which is all very much linked to scientific and mathematical development. There is great excitement and anticipation as they wait for the tower to topple over!
