This week’s focus is on story baskets. Grab a basket, some favorite books and toys that go with the story, and throw them together. My main goal for these, since Max is only 2, is to present his toys in a new, fun way to give them new life and to inspire independent play. See my post on Morning Setups for more details.

Story baskets are also a great way to develop early literacy skills. Acting out and retelling stories are big activities in quality early childhood classrooms. I won’t go into too much detail because literacy is definitely not my domain and I will butcher it! I highly recommend following Kate Reads to Kids and DAP Chronicles on Instagram if you are interested in learning ways to support your child’s cognitive development through reading and play.

For Max, I’ll model how to use the baskets and then give him the freedom to play. He might play out the stories or he might do his own thing, either way it’s a win.

In the photos below, you’ll see that I pieced together a strange mix of toys! I used puzzle pieces, magnets, a cookie sheet, construction paper, hand drawn animals…it doesn’t have to be perfect.

Below are 8 examples of story baskets to get yall started! I’ve added affiliate links to the books and the toys presented. If you choose to purchase any of these items and would like to support Take a Break Tots in a small way, please shop via the links.

Little Blue Truck

Mega Bloks Truck
Farm Animals
Dump Truck
Frog from an animal puzzle
Brown paper “mud”

I am a Big Brother & I’m a Big Brother + Baby Doll

Max will be a big brother in a few short months, so it’s important to present the idea and let him play it out. It’s a very abstract concept for him right now, but we are building the foundation for when his sister arrives.