EGG-celent Idea: 5 Learning Games to Make with Upcycled Egg Cartons!

Easter is only a few days away and if your house is like ours, you have empty egg cartons you are probably going to either recycle or toss in the trash.  STOP!  Upcycle them into learning games! 

Kids love simple, DIY projects with objects lying around the house and this is an easy way to build learning in at home over the holiday and spend quality family-time together!

 

Below are 5 educational ideas you can make with your egg cartons.    

1.  ADDITION, SUBTRACTION, & MULTIPLICATION:  This has multiple variations depending on the level of your child.  First, number each space (1, 2, 3…) with a marker.  Next you will need 2 buttons, coins, bottle caps, or anything else to use as a marker.  Place the 2 objects anywhere in the egg carton, close, and shake a few times.  Open the egg carton.  Now, have your child add, subtract, or multiply the numbers depending on their skill level.  Variation:  Number the spaces with 2 or 3-digit numbers.  Have your child add, subtract, or multiply these larger numbers together.  Another way to play the game could be to round the 2 and 3-digit numbers to the nearest tens or hundreds place.

2.  COLOR SORTING:  You will need an empty egg carton, 6 different colored plastic eggs, and a variety of small objects of different colors (pompoms, beads, buttons, etc.)  Open the egg carton and place one egg in each space in the back row.  Now, have your little learner sort the small objects by color and place in front of the plastic egg.  Variation:  Use tweezers or tongs to build fine motor skills!    

3.  SHAPE SORTING:  Provide your child with a variety of edible objects of different shapes.  (Think about cereal, crackers, candy pieces, pretzels, etc.)  Have your child sort them by similar shape.  Check for accuracy and enjoy a quick snack together!  Variation:  Use tweezers or tongs to build fine motor skills!    

4.  FINE MOTOR SKILLS: Cut off the lid of the egg carton.  Poke holes throughout the bottom tray of the carton.  Give your child pipe cleaners (cut them in half first).  Have your child make designs and patterns reinforcing those fine motor skills by pushing/pulling pipe cleaners through the holes. 

5.  MINI GARDEN:  Cut off the lid of the egg carton.  Fill the bottom with potting soil.  Plant your favorite flowers, fruits, or veggies.  Plan ahead:  when cooking, save the seeds of fruits and veggies and use those to plant in your carton!    

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