Hole in a Box

Cardboard box with a tennis ball inside and circle cut out

This activity promotes development and learning by encouraging children to use reasoning and problem-solving skills.

Materials Needed:

  • Shallow box that is small enough for your toddler to hold with two hands. (The lid of a bank box works well too.)
  • Small ball 3 to 4 inches wide
  • Scissors

Participants: This activity requires adult preparation and interaction.

Directions:

  1. Trace the outline of the ball on the inside of the bottom of the box to the right or left of the center.
  2. Cut out where you traced and make sure the ball will fit through the hole.
  3. Give your child the box to hold. Place the ball in one of the corners of the box and ask your child if they can move the box to get the ball to fall through the hole. It’s important that you give encouragement instead of answers so your child can problem solve through this experience. You can give tips like, “What happens if you move the box slowly?”
Bright Horizons
About the Author
Bright Horizons
Bright Horizons
In 1986, our founders saw that child care was an enormous obstacle for working parents. On-site centers became one way we responded to help employees – and organizations -- work better. Today we offer child care, elder care, and help for education and careers -- tools used by more than 1,000 of the world’s top employers and that power many of the world's best brands
Cardboard box with a tennis ball inside and circle cut out