Apple Tree Busy Box

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It’s been a while since I shared a busy box idea, but today I’m sharing this apple tree one! It is great because it is adaptable for all ages too …

In my line of work I see a lot of students struggle to follow instructions, verbal and/or written. This has sometimes to do with their lack of processing information, sometimes it is just carelessness. Following instructions, verbal or written, is a skill that needs to be practiced. Attention to details in a question is important for when they write exams.

I made this busy box specifically to work on those skills, but one can adapt it for younger kids(toddlers, preschoolers and kindys) by reading the “instructions” for them and letting them execute the verbal instructions. This busy box works on colour recognition, size recognition(which are both visual perception skills, needed for academic work later on), counting and fine motor skills too.

What I used:

Old lunch box
Felt(green and brown)
Pompoms(red, green, yellow)
Craft sticks(or print on strips of paper and laminate)
Plastic tweezer

First, I cut the tree. This was added to the lid on the felt I cut for the garden busy box a while ago.

Then, I wrote instructions onto the sticks. Here you can play around with words your child need to practice. See the words: least, most, biggest, smallest etc. (Obviously you can change it up as you see fit.) my kids in therapy need to practice. I underlined some words that are the “details” the student needs to see.

Write the answer at the back for self-correction.

This is a great independent activity for kids that can read. It will have to be an assisted activity for the younger ones, but still educational and fun too!

Use this apple tree busy box during quiet time, or as an “early finisher” activity in class. It is travel friendly too!