Lately I have really been encouraging open-ended play in my kiddos. There is so much structure in many of the things we do, so I’ve been trying to offer them fun activities that they can freely create with.
In open-ended play, there are no limitations or guidelines, you just give them the supplies and let them use their little minds to create however they please. There is no pressure for an end result.
This kind of activity promotes imagination, creative thinking and cooperation. It also enhances cognitive skills like flexibility and self-regulation. What better way to work on those things than playing??
One of our new favorites is Bunchems and Bunchems Alive. Paityn just started with playing with these toys lately, adding to our arsenal of fun open-ended play ideas. Bunchems was awarded the 2016 Toy of the Year Award for Activities!
You can make all sorts of things with these, putting your imagination to work. If you’d like, there is also an instruction booklet you can follow for some fun creations. Bunchems are colorful little balls that stick to each other and build easily. This makes clean up is a breeze because they stick to each other.
The Bunchems Alive actually move! The motorized ball in the middle will bring your new creations to live.
One important thing to remember is to play with these on a hard surface so it doesn’t get tangled in fibers or carpet. Also, always keep your kids hair pulled away from their face and remind them this toy is not meant to go near their face.
Giveaway
Win a Bunchems Alive and Megapack ($64.98 ARV) – a super gift to save for Christmas! Enter below.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Liz is a just a mom trying to keep it real about how little she sleeps, how often she gets puked on and how much she loves them. You can find her here every day writing about real-mom moments.
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