Don’t throw away that box! Take it home and see what fun can be had (fun games with boxes)

by Matthew Worwood

I’ve been extremely busy at work this summer, with one project involving the delivery of some rather expensive items, which came with reasonably big boxes. There were so many of them scattered around the room it seemed unethical to throw them out – though we did, apart from one, which made it home to my little boy. I had originally planned to produce an unboxing video for YouTube, but sadly my wishes have taken a backseat to eldest’s ‘needs’ and in just over seven days, my box has served as a magicians table, frozen palace, volcano, part of a continent, and as you would expect, a house. It has literally become his favorite toy, and I doubt Mommy will be able to throw it out anytime soon. In fact, only today I was asked if I have anymore to bring home, so if anything we might be adding to the collection, and perhaps I still might be able to produce my unboxing video.

I’ve shared some pictures that clearly support the saying that kids love boxes (and all the fun games with boxes), and it’s been great to see or the characters and costumes that have manifested over the past week. Even little brother has got involved, though bog brother was not happy with his new squatter who would quickly occupy his home whenever he vacated for a few minutes.

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A window was one of the first things to be added to the box.

 

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Here is an example when little brother took advantage of the vacant box and iPad that has been used as the TV.

Such a fun, and extremely simple way to challenge your little one to produce and consider as many alternatives as possible – how many ways can we play with a box? So next time a big deliver comes your way, keep the box, throw it in the middle of the room, and grab your camera – because fun, play, and creative thinking will quickly follow.

If you liked this article you might want to check out It Doesn’t Go Here.


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Matthew Worwood
Matthew Worwood is an educator, Creative Studies scholar-practitioner, and co-host of the Fueling Creativity in Education podcast. He is a professor of Digital Media Design at the University of Connecticut and a husband and proud father to three young boys.

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2 comments

Jonathan Furst August 3, 2015 - 4:44 pm

How many ways can your child play with a box? What a great example of exercising creative thinking skills and play! While we have a basketball hoop in our backyard, we also will create activities – for example: here is a ball and six trees – now let’s invent a game we can all play.

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Matthew Worwood August 4, 2015 - 1:17 am

That’s a good one Jonathan – identify some objects and challenge the little one’s to create a game. This can be a little more structured if you ask for a ‘goal’ and then some ‘rules’.

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