![Backstage Pass](http://www.accomplishate.com/totschool/2011/theaders/backstagesm.jpg)
**I do NOT recommend allowing your tot to use any of these items unsupervised.**
RockerTot loved the large geoboard (of nails) on the wall at the local children's museum a few months ago. He was unable to do it without help, but he was fascinated by it and loved to watch RockerBoy make shapes.
We were at a teacher supply store the other day and I was determined to drop the whopping $2.59 to buy him one of his very own.... until I held it in my hand. It was definitely not for a tot. The pegs were way too short and close together for his chubby little fingers. I thought about nasty snaps from rubber bands, too. I was very bummed because he loved the one at the museum... but I started thinking (scary, huh?) that maybe I could make something that wouldn't cost a fortune for him.
My dad gave me a piece of scrap wood which I covered with some white Contact Paper I already had (this saved me $ since I didn't have any paint). I added a square of self-adhesive black felt to the middle so that the hair bands ($1) would contrast nicely. I made a 5x5 grid of dots on a piece of paper, laid it on top of the felt and gingerly hammered the push pins ($1 for a pack of 75). If anyone tries this, I would recommend that you stop hammering just shy of "all the way", then remove the template paper and continue to hammer. I did NOT have fun trying to get the paper all off.
It's his new favorite toy and that makes me happy. Here are some photos of the geoboard, RockerTot playing with it and a sample of his fun.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPMM55IHTWqa6og_eEp7o6ZIX6r9kJOTvSvGQFb2uI9aaxie93mnmqoaZe-eQo46V1IpamcgjP-ktCCIVFn3fVh5djIYZ3npkDsdlRStx0z39rB3Y-k4HYVcpA6_MbMQiOZQIfCGsSps/s400/tray01.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrmtcqFfQauBmy2YiF7FxDr3r4CatNKZ_0X9qjLzEv2YKH-QXq4zStVJ2NoS2lKQIj0-Af_0MRSlcpxYXnzicUDwB_aKsHMdypyfWtZ_ix1pIJgnMEpHezHacPi6fC1k2Ox_K15vZDXY/s400/tray02.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieJNgc4UNz8zUKkC4vT5NILWZJMJxE7Q1BnGaemM-cwMeAghpuKd5ry9mVYUUJtVHBrqBktTyT-KcV-8WkyZEl5fIVaFsb3Dtp4QWPrWWLPFKdlRaNnBi4PCBD7LE05uLsbPHjMMmUaG0/s400/tray03.jpg)
![Tools for Tots](http://www.accomplishate.com/rockermom/spinnersend/wpfun/toolsfortots.png)
Love it!
ReplyDeleteNice! I'm wanting to make my own for the kids too.
ReplyDeleteThat is so cool!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the GREAT idea!
ReplyDeleteYou are awesome!! :) That is creative and way better than some store-bought one.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great idea! I'm going to try one too, I know my son would love it.
ReplyDeleteI love this idea, thanks for the directions! I'll have to make one for my M.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Thank you for the info!(Educating Crumpet)
ReplyDelete