Busy Hands: Cereal Box Ball Game
http://www.sandinmytoes.tk/2014/05/busy-hands-7-cereal-box-ball-game.html
Here are the things we used to make this simple ball game:
- A cereal box
- Clear tape
- Transparent plastic sheet or cellophane
- Scissors
- A lightweight ball
This is how we made it:
1. Cut out a rectangular 'frame' on the front of the cereal box, and keep the the cut-out sheet.
2. Divide the cut-out sheet in four equal sections (in rectangles).
3. Take each section and make two cuts on one end.
4. Fold over the middle so that you have two ends standing out (see picture below).

(See larger image)
5. Make two slits on each side of the cereal box, making sure that they are equally spaced apart.
6. Push the middle of each section into those slits, and tape the ends in place both inside and outside the box.
7. When you are done with all four sections, your game is almost ready. If required, you can use more tape to make the sections stand horizontally in place.
8. Drop a lightweight ball inside, making sure that it's small enough to move freely between the sections.
9. Tape the top of the box shut.
10. Cover the outside of the box with a transparent plastic sheet or cellophane.
Your game is ready! It may look simple, but I was surprised at how many skills a child will need to maneuver the ball through the sections. I had to teach Little Dude to hold the box steady, and subtly move the ball around. I also took this opportunity to strengthen his understanding of top, bottom, right, and left.
Older kids can make more complicated versions of this game themselves, but I think it will really appeal to toddlers and prechoolers.
Busy Hands is a series about activities and craft you can do with toddlers and young children. |
8 comments
Such a simple brilliant idea! I must try it! #letkidsbekids
Thank you, it is pretty easy to make!
Oohh this is so cool! I will try this! I have a big box of cereal! #LetKidsBeKids
Great idea Tarana, so simple but really effective! #LetKidsBeKids
This looks like lots of fun, my kids love this type of thing! Thanks for linking up to Tuesday Tutorials
I'm sure your son will love it!
What a great simple idea and lots of fun.
Thanks for linking #LetKidsBeKids
Such a simple idea. My kids would love to make them!
Thanks for linking to Tuesday Tutorials #pintorials