What is a Busyboard and what is it for
What is a Busyboard?
For the BusyBoard we should thank the famous Italian educator Maria Montessori, who outlined the influence of games with everyday objects on fine motor skills. We cannot say that she was a pioneer, but it was she who managed to turn this into a system, to create a developmental toy, which is now used by parents all over the world.
Types of BusyBoard
BusyBoard board is a game board, which not only develops fine motor skills, but also allows from a young age to get acquainted with the objects of everyday life, gain self-care skills. Here is a list of the most common elements in a BusyBoard:
fasteners: laces, velcro, zippers, buttons;
locks: key locks, door chains, bolts
abacus;
clocks;
mazes;
magnets;
mosaic with geometric figures;
switches, buttons, sockets;
light and sound modules.
Thanks to all of these elements, a child learns to use these or those items correctly. But it is important that the child understands what they are used for. For example, locks should close and open some doors, switches should control the light or sound elements, and clasps, respectively, should clasp.
BusyBoards are selected according to the age and needs of the child. They can be divided into several types.
Classic Busyboard. This is the usual single board with educational elements. Its dimensions may vary from road compact versions to meter-wide (and the height should not exceed 60 cm).
A classic BusyBoard "book". This developing board consists of two parts, which are firmly fastened together and reliably fixed in a "working" state. The design resembles an easel. Developmental elements can be located on both sides, and on one of them, and the second side in these models serves as a chalkboard.
Classic BusyBoard of different shapes. Such boards are usually made in the form of animals, vehicles. It is possible that funny images can captivate a child, but at the same time they distract his/her attention from the main function of the board - to develop motor skills. In addition, the limited shape is reflected in the contents of the BusyBoard, so before buying weigh the pros and cons.
BusyBoxes. These are cubes with five functional sides and, as a consequence, with a large number of developmental modules. BusyBoxes, thanks to their shape, can act as a toy box. The only disadvantage is that it is difficult to transport. Most likely, the cube will need to be assembled independently, but there is an option that the BusyBox will be sent whole in an unassembled form, which obviously will not reduce the cost of delivery by post and transport companies. BusyBoards in the form of houses can also be included in the same category. Here the pitched roof forms not one, but two functional surfaces (that is, there will be 6 in total).
Soft BusyBoards. They are suitable for the youngest of kids and have a large number of elements for tactile sensations (bags with fillers, different types of fabric), velcro, laces, pockets. The fabric base limits the variety of developmental elements, but it can be used from 6 months, when the child is just learning to sit. Well, one more plus, many mothers can make such a BusyBoard themselves or add their own elements to the already finished one.
What else do BusyBoard affect?
If the BusyBoard is made qualitatively and correctly, in addition to motor skills it helps to develop:concentration, assiduity and patience;
memory. Provides a memory of actions, what is followed by;
logic;
imagination. For these purposes, manufacturers have come up with additional boards for the staging of fairy tales with figurines of fairy tale characters. A child can play out the plot in his/her own way and come up with an ending.
understanding of cause-and-effect connections (pushed the latch - opened the door, put the plug into the socket - saw a glowing light bulb, pressed the button - heard the bell);
learning figures, letters, counting;
safe acquaintance with the objects, which you may encounter in everyday life. For example, in your apartment, the bathroom is closed with a latch. Children like to hide, they can go in there and close. So it is better to know that the child will open the latch from the inside if he/she accidentally closes.
Why you should not make a BusyBoard by yourself
When making a BusyBoard, you need to understand that it should develop useful skills and, as mentioned above, form an understanding of cause-and-effect relationships. Just bolt the spindle to the board or fix an ordinary socket - it will not be enough. A child needs to understand why these things are needed: the lock opens/closes the door, and the plug is stuck in the socket, not your fingers.
That's why it is recommended to buy such a toy, not make it yourself. As a rule, BusyBoards, sold in stores, take into account all the features of children's development and include the most necessary game elements.