What’s in the magic box?

Materials You Need:  Cardboard boxes, toys of various shapes and types, clips, ping-pong balls, etc.  

What You Can Do Together: Children begin to realize around the age of two that adults can help them! When a child "asks" for something by making a sound or pointing a finger, react. Name the object the child is looking for and encourage him or her to communicate again. Communicate alternately - that's how you'll have a "conversation" with your child. 

Cut a hole in the side of a colourful box, make sure the hole is big enough to all you want to fit your hand through. Place various toys that the child loves in the box through the hole. Once you have their attention, put your hand in the box and pull out a toy. Tell the child the name of the toy and encourage the child to say the name of the object or indicate where it is. Ask them questions like, “Where is the teddy bear?" And “Where did mother/father find the teddy bear?" After asking them these questions, take your child’s hand in yours and insert them both into the box and pull out the next toy together. Ask the same questions and repeat the activity until the child loses interest. 

Make a simple toy by cutting a round hole in the lid of a cardboard box. Give the baby clips or ping-pong balls to put in the box and show them how to take the objects out. If the baby crawls or has already learned how to walk, encourage them to help you collect the objects and place them in the box again. 

Allow your child to "help" you in your daily activities. Encourage her/him to "bring" a cup or spoon that they use during meals. Encourage them to "find" shoes or a coat that they wear when playing outside. Ask them to "bring" pants or a diaper when you need to change her/him.  

What Your Child is Learning: Following instructions is an important skill that a child should learn gradually. Joint games and activities are an opportunity to encourage your child’s development and learning. It also allows you to connect with your child in an emotional, cognitive and social sense. The child plays with you first, and later uses that experience when playing with their peers.