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Craft Her Way: Creating a DIY Busy Board for Toddlers

A busy board is a fantastic activity toy designed to engage toddlers and help them develop essential motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and sensory exploration. By creating a DIY busy board, not only do you provide your little one with hours of entertainment, but you also indulge your crafty side, making it a personalised treasure that reflects your child’s interests. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create an engaging busy board using everyday materials, ensuring safety while sparking creativity.

What is a Busy Board?

A busy board, also known as a sensory board, is a flat surface that features various objects and activities for toddlers to explore. These may include switches, latches, buttons, zippers, and various textures. The idea is to encourage independent play and aid in the development of fine motor skills as children grasp, pull, push, and manipulate the items on the board.

Materials You’ll Need:

Creating your own busy board doesn’t need to be an expensive exercise. Most of the materials can be sourced from your home or a local craft store. Here’s a list of suggested items:

• Baseboard: A piece of plywood or a sturdy cardboard sheet (around 60cm x 90cm).
• Fasteners: Latches, hooks, and velcro buttons.
• Textural materials: Pieces of fabric, faux fur, bubble wrap, and sandpaper.
• Movable parts: Zippers, wheels, and buttons from old clothing.
• Safety hinges or door knobs.
• Paint: Non-toxic spray paint or acrylic paint to decorate the board.
• Wood glue or strong adhesive.
• Screws: To secure items to the board (screwdriver needed).
• Paintbrush: For applying paint.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Baseboard

Begin by sanding down any rough edges of the plywood sheet to ensure there are no sharp points to potentially harm your child. Once smoothed, you can paint or decorate the board using non-toxic paint. Allow it to dry completely.

Step 2: Plan the Layout

Before securing anything down, arrange your chosen items on the board. This allows you to visualise how everything will fit together and ensures an aesthetically pleasing and functional design. Be mindful of the height of items when considering your toddler’s reach.

Step 3: Attach Items Securely

Once you’re happy with the layout, start attaching the items to the board. Use wood glue for lighter items and screws for heavier fixtures. Make sure everything is securely fastened and check for any potential choking hazards. Items like small buttons can easily become a danger, so opt for larger, easy-to-grasp pieces.

Step 4: Add Textures

Incorporating various textures adds an extra layer of sensory play. Attach different materials like sandpaper for a rough feel, soft fabric for a smooth touch, and bubble wrap for an exciting pop. These experiences can help enhance your toddler’s tactile skills.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Once all items are attached, give the board a quick once-over to ensure all fixtures are secure and safe. You might also consider adding your child’s name or a fun illustration to personalise the board. This will make it special and invite more engaging play.

Safety First!

As with any DIY project involving children, safety is paramount. Ensure that all items used are non-toxic and safe for toddlers. Regularly inspect the busy board for any wear and tear, replacing or fixing items as necessary to maintain a safe play environment.

Encouraging Play

Once your busy board is complete, show your toddler how to interact with each item. Encourage independent play, but also join in on the fun to guide them through the different functions. This shared experience not only enhances bonding but also allows you to introduce new skills and concepts during playtime.

Conclusion

Crafting a DIY busy board for your toddler is a wonderful way to stimulate their imagination and motor skills while allowing you to flex your creative muscles. Tailor the board to your child’s interests and developmental stage for maximum engagement, and enjoy the many learning opportunities it presents. With a little bit of effort and lots of love, you’ll create a cherished item that fosters creativity, learning, and lots of fun!

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