Sometimes, when receiving a gift, the wrapping and presentation is as beautiful as the gift itself! It seems a shame to toss out all of these containers, so today we invite you to re-use them as a fine motor tool for your children!

Fine Motor Activity: Boxes with Lids
To start, keep a stockpile of boxes or containers that have a separate lid. Cardboard or wood, the materials isn’t as important as the well-fitting lid to go along with it.

As an option you can place a small keepsake like a marble or stuffed animal in each box, as a point of interest for your child.

Finally, invite your child to work with this new ‘Opening and Closing‘ Activity!

The task here for young children is manipulating the lid off of the box, then placing it back on the box. Repetition of this task will improve a young child’s fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and hand muscles!

For young children who are still developing vocabulary, announce the word Open! when he or she takes the lid off the box. Another option would be to say “The lid is ON the box.” and “The lid is OFF the box.” Whichever one you decide on, stick to just one set of vocabulary words.

Your child will enjoy the challenge of getting the lid off of the box all by herself!

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