When is a box not a box? When it's a bus, a train, a boat or a bed. Michael Jones describes one innovative nursery project using both child-initiated and adult-led activities.

It is fascinating to see what children will do when given a large cardboard box to play with. By the force of their imaginations, some children will turn it into whatever they want it to be at that moment. Their sophisticated role play can also generate rich language and social interaction between children. But if we want all children to benefit, then early years practitioners need to think carefully about how they will become involved, so children get the most from this exciting resource.

Judith Twani, an early years consultant and children's centre teacher in Thurrock, Essex, supported a daycare setting to devote a whole week to developing activities with cardboard boxes, with spectacular results - for the adults as well as the children.

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