Hi, I am visiting from Greene Acres Hobby Farm. When summer was just around the corner, I began thinking about the long 3 months ahead of us, and the Texas heat. My son's can get a little bored without the constant stimulation of school, and it is hard to go outside in the peak heat of the day. I figured my friends might need some boredom busters too, so I dreamed up the summer of the traveling book boxes. It reminds me of the concept of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Have you read the story or seen the movie? It is precious.
My plan was to create multiple themed book boxes with books, games, activities, crafts, and entertainment ideas. We would trade out every 2-3 weeks and get a new box for our kiddos. I tried to make them light at first, so I could ship them back and forth. Then I realized everyone was truly close enough, that we could just drop them off.
I sent out an email to see who might be interested in my crazy plan. I received four positive replies back and I began creating my book boxes. My first book box was themed BUGS!
I sent a printed sheet with this picture and a listing of the contents and activities.
·
The
Very Ugly Bug by Liz Pichon
·
A
Bug, A Bear, And a Boy books (please take a duplicate of one or two of the
books and keep it for your collection. Make sure you leave at least one of each
book behind for others to read. These are great first readers.)
·
Game:
Bug Tic Tac Toe
·
Game:
Penny Bug Race-Directions on back
·
Bug
Toy-Keep one for your child. Great prize for one of the games
·
Activity-Bug
Hunt. Put some dirt in a bucket and let your child dig through to find the
bugs.
·
Bug
Drinks-Fill bag with water or Gatorade and a few cleaned off plastic bugs. Place
a straw in the bag and wrap a rubber band around it. See link for clear
instructions:
·
Small
silver spider container to serve a snack or candy in for fun.
·
Lady
Bug Craft-See sample. All supplies included. (Pipe cleaners, googly eyes,
brads, paper and red and black marker)
·
Have
fun! Make sure everything on this list is returned to the book box for the next
child.
·
Let
me know when you have worn out your book box and we will trade. I am hoping to
trade about every 3 weeks and just meet up with you. Thanks! Michelle
I found this great printable bug game pictured above from education.com. Click here to download for free. The first child to receive the bug box opened it to find...
Just remember, you can use any theme and any supplies you have at home. I did not purchase a single item yet to make these boxes. They all came from books and treasures I already had floating around my house, or that I printed off a website.
If the children enjoy these boxes, I would love to do them again next summer. However, I will have each parent design a book box and we will trade back and forth. Summer has just started, so it is never too late to start some traveling book boxes among your friends. Good luck!
Just to introduce myself...I am Michelle from Greene Acres Hobby Farm. I am married with two small boys and I work as a nurse. My boys are just a bit older now...but this picture just makes me laugh and think of a typical day around our house.
I am always up for creating short and simple crafts for myself, gifts, and for
my kids to participate in. I find true joy in just small attempts at creativity. I would love it if you would come visit me. Who knows what kind of project I will be up to next. I will also be posting my other themed book boxes soon. Stay tuned...
Fun idea!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of passing the boxes around with friends.
ReplyDelete