This alphabet busy bag is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who love to lace, sort or spell. This is simply a fun and packable bead manipulative. You get 26 large (1″-1.5″) plastic beads in multiple colors and 26 different letter shapes. Children can simply lace the large variety of beads on the lace to make pretty jewelry, string the letters in order, spell simple CVC words or they can sort or lace by color! Older children can create patterns with the colors and shapes. They can take it apart and do it again and again, and is small enough to take with you while you are out and about. While they play they are strengthening their fine motor muscles while picking up and manipulating the beads!
What is included:
26 plastic beads. One of each letter. You can select either lowercase, uppercase letters or both.
1 lace
What they are learning WHILE having fun:
– the letters of the alphabet. Students can string the letters in order to complete A-Z, or they can spell simple words or their names (if there are not double letters)
– Hand/Eye coordination and spacial recognition. – Being able to line up the beads and place them on the lace
– Fine motor – Practicing using fine motor pincer grasp in order to manipulate the beads. Builds hand muscles and dexterity which are essential for a proper pencil grasp.
– Concentration. This activity utilizes several manipulatives for open-ended pretend play so it offers a great opportunity to sit and focus on a task before it is completed.
************ More information about busy bags ***************
HOW AND WHEN DO YOU USE BUSY BAGS?
— My personal favorite way to use busy bags is to have a quick “in case of an emergency” distraction for mischievous toddlers. Any time my twin boys are getting a little reckless and needing a change of pace I pull out an activity for an immediate distraction from the behavior. Playing and learning with an activity is a lot more fun for both parents and children than being frustrated and disciplined. Let them focus on play instead of bad behavior and you can sit down and relax and watch their little minds at work!
— Parents, do you need a little time to make a phone call without a toddler hanging on you? Do you need to cook dinner…..or feed the new baby? My learning activities keep children actively engaged in a healthy activity while you cook or do other tasks. My boys love to “play something at the table” while we cook. We get out their trays and an activity and they are happy!
— Do you have a longer than expected wait while waiting at a restaurant or doctor’s office? Busy bags are portable and make a great quiet activity for when your toddlers are having a difficult time sitting still and being quiet. Parents often find these games perfect for quiet activities at church or out and about.
— Do you need a quiet activity to engage your older child while your baby naps? Or perhaps you need a quiet activity for quiet time when your preschooler gives up naps? Parents also use busy bags to give to younger children while the parent is giving a lesson to the older homeschooled child. — Teachers use these activities in learning centers or for children who finish their work early and need a quiet activity.
— Did your child’s early intervention teacher or occupational therapist recommend you work on certain skills with your child? My learning games are perfect therapy toys.
— Are you unexpectedly stuck inside due to a snow day or rainy weather?
— Are you traveling or vacationing? Many busy bags are perfect for on the go fun and travel to keep kids entertained in the car or airplane.
Busy bags make great birthday presents for your child or their friends. They are perfect for big brother or sister gifts or for those who are having a new baby with a toddler in the house.