My favorite thing about working with young children is that they are constantly learning. They are like sponges, absorbing all the stimuli around them! One thing that stay at home moms learn is that anything and everything can be used for play and playing is how children learn. With a little creativity most objects that you would throw away can have multiple purposes in play. Cardboard tubes from paper towels, toilet paper and wrapping paper can be used on a wall/window for dropping things (such as pompom balls, race cars, etc.) through. With this activity children are learning about cause and effect, they are working on their fine motor skills, and many cognitive concepts can be added here when you count objects as they go in the tubes or label the colors of the objects.
Another easy way for children to learn and explore is with cardboard boxes. Give a toddler a box and they will be entertained for hours! Children can practice gross motor skills as they climb in and out, in and out, in and out. The box can be a basket for them to throw balls into. They can use their imagination as they pretend the box is a race car or a bed for their baby doll. Children can even decorate boxes with crayons and stickers to make it more like whatever they are pretending it to be.
I'm interested to hear what other ways you and your children have used cardboard boxes or cardboard tubes! Comment below your ideas to share with other parents.