Toddler Tugging Box

Pulling my socks off, yanking on Piper's (our 4 year old Chocolate Lab) tail, and emptying the Kleenex box Adam is very much into the tugging motion. I saw this box idea on www.laughingkidslearn.com and adapted it for us.

You will need any size cardboard box.  I kept mine smaller so it wasn't in the way all the time. Any ribbon.  I chose different patterns and textures from the ribbon I just had shoved in my supplies drawer (great excuse to get rid of some scraps)! Pipe Cleaners are not necessary, but that's baby boy's favorite part! I used a phillips head screw driver to punch holes in my box, but any object that gets that job done will work! Last, a pair of scissors for trimming the ribbon!

Punch holes on all sides of your box.  Top, bottom, & sides.

 I used the end of the screwdriver to push the ribbon through the holes. (Left pic).  Then I tied a knot at the end of the ribbon. (Center pic)  I tied it 3 times to make sure it didn't slip through the punch holes and to just to add more texture for Adam to feel.  Then I repeated the pull through and knot across the other side of the box. (Right pic)

Repeat Those steps with as many different ribbons and in as many different directions as you want!  I left some holes empty for Adam to stick pipe cleaners through.  You can also knot them if you want, I just left it open so he could put some in his self.

 I love the Cause and Effect lesson he's getting by pulling one end and realizing "hey, it's pulling at the other end" (That's the dialogue I made up for him in my head). Also, great for motor skills and sensory play!