Last Updated: December 12, 2024 | Mama’s Shell
Have you ever found an activity that keeps your toddler engaged for hours while building critical motor skills?
For me, posting box activities was the perfect solution! My toddler loved posting objects repeatedly, staying focused and entertained.
Realising the potential of these activities, I searched for DIY ideas to make them even more challenging and rewarding. That’s how I discovered this Montessori-inspired posting box with smaller holes—a simple yet engaging activity to refine your toddler’s hand-eye coordination and focus.
Here’s how you can create one at home:
Materials Needed
To make your DIY Montessori Posting Box, you’ll need:
- A cardboard box (square-shaped is ideal)
- A paper cutter
- Scissors
- Bright-colored fabric (I used leftover grocery bag fabric)
- Needle and thread
- Cotton buds for posting
How to Make Your DIY Posting Box
Prepare the Top of the Box
Take a cardboard box and cut one side using a paper cutter. Before cutting, measure the sides of the top and leave at least 1 inch of space on all four edges. For reference, my box was 10 x 12 cm, and the cut-out was 9 x 11 cm.
Cut the Fabric
Cut a grocery bag or similar fabric into 10 x 12 cm pieces. You’ll need approximately 10–12 pieces to create a thick base.
Sew the Fabric Pieces
Stack the fabric pieces together and sew them using a needle and thread. This will make a sturdy, reinforced layer.
Create the Posting Holes
Draw small shapes for the posting holes on the fabric, then carefully cut them out using a paper cutter and scissors. Ensure the holes are small enough to challenge your toddler.
Attach the Sewn Fabric
Glue the sewn fabric to the top of the box. A strong adhesive is recommended for better durability.
Safety Note
Since this activity involves small objects like cotton buds, always supervise your toddler to ensure safe play.
Benefits of the DIY Posting Box Activity
Object Permanence
This activity helps toddlers develop the concept of object permanence—the understanding that objects exist even when out of sight. For example, if you hide an object under a cloth and your toddler finds it, they demonstrate this skill. Research suggests infants start perceiving object permanence around 4 months and fully grasp it by 12 months.
Hand-Eye Coordination
The small holes encourage toddlers to refine their pincer grasp by holding thin cotton buds and inserting them precisely. This practice boosts motor development and enhances hand-eye coordination.
Cause and Effect
After 12 months, toddlers are eager to explore activities with clear cause-and-effect relationships. This posting box provides an excellent opportunity to observe and practice, keeping them engaged while developing critical thinking skills.
Budget-Friendly Solution
Montessori toys can be expensive, with posting boxes costing $18 to $35 online. Creating this DIY version saves money while delivering the same developmental benefits.
With this DIY posting box, you can offer your toddler an engaging, challenging, and budget-friendly activity that supports their development. Have you tried making a DIY Montessori toy? Share your experience in the comments below
