I have found that my multi-tasking is limited to certain subject matters.  And my ability to create a “themed” unit involving books, crafts, online activities etc.,  no longer exists.

Sure – when I was a kindergarten teacher I thrived on creating a lesson that was multi-sensory and benefited all types of learners in my classroom.  Now, I have someone do it for me and I am not ashamed to admit it.

A BabbaBox Arrived One Day to Make Life Easy

Originally I had planned on saving our BabbaBox for a rainy day.  However, Indiana hasn’t had many rainy days.

As evidenced by Ezra’s squinting eyes.

But Babba we did.  Ah-Babba we did all day.  Babba-ing out of ONE self-contained box.

Uh-huh.  A mom’s dream.  No looking for glue.  Paper.  Bowls.

What Is a Babba Box?

A Babba Box is a self-contained box of learning.  The Babba Box has four components or goals that it will accomplish between you and your child.  With each box you will:

• create
• explore
• storytell
• connect

Jessica Kim, the founder of Babba Co, eloquently explains why the Babba Box is such a helpful learning tool for busy parents.

The Babba Box Up-Close and Personal

Our Babba Box arrived looking all cute-like and begging to be opened.

It greeted me with a note from Jessica Kim.  Sure it wasn’t hand written, but I appreciated the thought behind the computer generated note.  Not to mention a fun present was included in the box, for me!  (But I won’t share what it was . . . just in case you subscribe to the Babba Box.)

I didn’t have to wonder about the subject of our box:  Sun, Moon, & Stars.  It was QR ready.  (If you have a smart phone, here is an app to scan QR codes.)

I had three curious boys . . . but only one received the honor of breaking the seal.

We promptly dove into learning about the Sun, Moon, & Stars.

How to Create, Explore, Story Tell, and Connect

I loved the order in which to explore this box . . . starting with the messy first.  {grins}

Though each box is intended for one child, it was EASY for me to use with three children.  Originally I paired Asher (7) and Ezra (5) together while Gabe (4) worked independently.  In hindsight, I wish I had placed Gabe with Asher.

Create:  Paper-Mache Moon Nightlight

Our task was tear strips of newsprint, inflate a balloon, and coat the balloon with the ingredients found in the Babba Box to make paper-mache glue.

Long story short . . . Gabe flaked out.  It challenged his concentration to tear the paper and then glue the strips onto the balloon.  My recommendation to you – have your child tear the strips of paper at an alternate time.  There is no need to hurry through your box.

{Ahem.}

Create:  Constellation Frame

Eager for a good experiment, the boys totally became jazzed over Starlight paper.  Have I mentioned yet that everything you need is included in the Babba Box?

Observe how the paper is blue, then white, and returns to blue.

Well . . . I don’t have a picture to show of the completed project.  Just trust me.

Explore:  Learning to Use a Lunar Calendar and Binoculars

The idea was to use the enclosed calendar and chart the phases of the moon.

I loved this idea BUT my kids have an early bedtime.  They don’t see lightening bugs, stars, or the moon.

However, you can track the phases and see pictures of the moon over at the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Story Tell:  Twinkle Star of the Week

Take the messiness of creating and the busyness of exploring and settle down in a nurturing moment of story telling with a good book.

The Babba Box comes with a story that you can read aloud on your couch (or other comfy place for your tush).

But allow your kiddo’s to re-live that moment with Jessica Kim while you get dinner ready.  The kids watched the creative Babba Co founder read Twinkle Star of the Week several times.  Sigh.  I think I have it memorized.

Connect:  Download a free app

Being a bit of a social media addict, I appreciated the free app that comes with each Babba Box.  I simply emailed Babba Co and they replied with my coupon code for a free app for my phone.

Except I didn’t know where to enter the coupon code.  I’m learning.

Nevertheless, the kids enjoyed their new app because it meant they got to play with my new phone.

How Do You Get a Babba Box Delivered to Your House?

There are three ways you can receive a Babba Box.

• Get the BabbaBox: A new, all-in-one activity box for kids. Save 20% on your first order! Use code: a20off (Each Babba Box costs $29.99 and includes free shipping.  There are various subscription opportunities.) Use code  GMG50OFF to receive 50% off your first box.  Offer valid until 7/7/2012.
• For your child’s next birthday ask for a gift subscription.
• Win a Babba Box here on Granola Mom 4 God.

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