DIY Drop Box - Literacy & Math Center

How awesome is this drop box activity created by Jackie over at Happy Hooligans?! Doesn't it look super colorful and inviting? We absolutely love that the activity reviews everything from letter and shape recognition to counting and color matching - as well as the fact that it's all contained in a neat little box!

Creating your own...

1. Gather your supplies. Recycled cardboard box, Xacto knife, markers in assorted colors, and manipulatives. The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to maniuplatives - paint chips, plastic/wooden shape blocks, drinking straws, labeled/colored craft sticks, foam shapes, painted rocks, letter tiles, dominoes, etc.
2. Plan out your space - arranging the manipulatives/various activities on the box and leaving room for sunken containers to hold the manipulatives when not in use.
3. Use a pencil to trace each manipulative onto the box, then use an Xacto knife to cut them out. Color code the newly created slots/holes, using markers to draw colored outlines around the openings. This will assist students when completing color matching exercises, but will also add some fun decoration to activities where color is not a factor.

We're certain simply looking at the picture will spark some creative ideas! The best part is - since this is a DIY project - the activities are fully customizable and are sure to compliment your specific learning goals! Be sure to visit Happy Hooligans for this and lots of other great learning exercises!