In my first blog post, I explained what a busy bag was, how to use them, and showed three examples of some of my favorites. Here are a few more!
Note: A laminator and paper cutter are helpful tools in creating these busy bags. Similar pouches to the ones shown are linked here.
Mixed Up Animals
We love this busy bag from Itsybitsyfun. I can’t make and sell this one as it’s not my own work, but there is a free download to print, cut, and laminate. Kids can make their own silly mixed up animals. For younger learners this is a great sequencing activity. For my 5 year old I have him create an animal, think of its new name, and label it on paper.
Music addition: We love to listen to Micah and Me’s song My Creature when we do this Busy Bag! Micah and Me is a local Portland children’s musical group. My kids love them!
Velcro Popsicle Sticks
These fun colored popsicle sticks can make an endless amount of letters, numbers, shapes, and fun designs.
Materials: colored popsicle sticks, velcro, hot glue gun
Download the letter sheet here.
To assemble: cut the velcro dots in half and use hot glue to glue them to each end. I’m afraid without the hot glue, the sticker would come right off.
Paper Clip Magnets
These paper clip magnet bags are so fun, and great for patterning. My 18 month son works on fine motor in getting the paper clips onto the magnet. The 3 year old works on beginning patterns, and my 5 year old is given challenges such as “make an ABB pattern”.
Management tip: My kids know that if paper clips start to fall on the ground on purpose, linked together, or taken apart they are all done with the busy bag for the day. They learn quickly to be responsible!
Materials: Jumbo Craft Sticks, Magnet Strips, Colored Paper Clips, hot glue gun
To assemble: Cut strips of magnets to fit the wooden craft sticks. Use the hot glue gun to glue the magnets onto the sticks. Put about 50 paperclips into the bag.
Hole Punching
This is one of the easiest busy bags to put together, but one of my kids’ favorites! Kids love hole punching, and it’s a fantastic way to develop strength in their hands, and it often holds their attention. Hole punching breaks one of my rules for busy bags in that it does require some consumable materials, but the benefit is so great it is worth it to me.
Management tip: My kids are responsible for picking up all holes. Sometimes my 5 uses the holes he has punched to glue designs on paper, and we use this as an extension sometimes.
Materials: hole puncher, variety of colored paper and cardstock
My purpose here is to encourage and empower you to make your own bags! However, if you are interested in purchasing these bags I do sell them. Please email me at kristenmeyers56@gmail.com for a price list and description.
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