Need Book Storage? Make a Book Box

This is a great project you and your child can do together.

If your child's bookshelf looks anything like S-man's used to, it is overflowing with books. I used to just stack the extra books against the wall. Then, a friend told me about something she had done to deal with the book overflow. She and her son decorated a box to put the books in.

Here are some ideas:

• Cover the box with construction paper.
• Use stamps, markers, crayons or paint to draw pictures on the box.
• Stencil your child's name onto the box.
• Use stickers and glitter.
• Use scrapbooking supplies like die cuts and embellishments.
• Recycle old greeting cards by cutting out the pictures and pasting them on your box.
• Cut pictures out of old magazines.
• Use foam stickers.
• Use paint to let your child make handprints on the box.
• Glue on beads or buttons.
• Glue on uncooked pasta and color it with paint or markers.
• Copier paper boxes work great, and you don't have to worry about cutting off the flaps.

*The beads, buttons, and pasta should not be used with young children who could choke.

How to incorporate learning:

• Have your child trace shapes and cut them out.
• Have your child identify colors, shapes, letters and numbers as you construct the box.
• Let your child practice cutting.
• Count everything.

Display the box in a prominent place in your child's bedroom, and let your child help you put in the books.

This project will give your child a sense of pride and ownership. It is also a great way for the two of you, or the whole family, to spend quality time together.

If you make one, I would love to see it! Send me a picture at beasbookbuzz@gmail.com and I will post it. I would love to hear any comments or ideas you have as well.

Have fun!

Bea