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Where did it go?

Don't be intimidated by the long name. The Montessori object permanence box is a super simple idea and DIY for the littlest members of the family.

The concept that the object permanence box teaches, is that an object is permanent. Babies think that when they can't see something that is doesn't exist anymore. This box shows them that even when they put the ball in the box, it's still there.

This DIY can be done so many different ways. This time I used boxes. In the past, I have just cut a slit on the top of an empty cocoa powder container. I have used a wipes container. As a different variation, you can use a small wooden box with drawers. I have also noticed that some of our toys work too; like a recycling truck that opens on the top and back, or our farm silo that also has 2 openings.

You will need:

2 small boxes: one needs to be about half the size of the first one.

1 ball: I used a ping pong ball, feel free to use any ball you have.

Gorilla tape, scissors, hot glue gun (I love that have dual temperature! It helps me feel more confident about letting my kids use it.)

Cut the top off the larger box. Tape around the edges to make it sturdy. Cut a hole on the side of the smaller box, just big enough for the ball to fit through. Use tape to reinforce the small box as necessary.
Pick a side on the smaller box that is adjacent to the side with the hold and cut along 3 sides and then push it in about halfway to create a ramp so that the ball can roll right back into the larger box (see picture below). Tape or glue the smaller box into the bigger box, making sure that the ball hole is facing up and the ramp is facing the inside of the bigger box.

Presentation

The presentation depends on the age of your child.
For babies, you can just bring them the box and put the ball in the hole a few times. They should eventually copy you. For walking children, you can also show them how to put it away after.

Variation

With this particular box, you can change the angle or place of the smaller box's lid. There are so many other variations, like I mentioned, with containers, drawers, lids, objects, and difficulty.

Buy it Instead

Support a small business by purchasing one on Etsy. Of course, there are many variations on Amazon, this one here being a very affordable option

Just promise me that if you shop on Amazon for Montessori materials, you will NOT get distracted by the ‘Montessori’ busy boards. They are NOT Montessori. I just had to get that off my chest. Thank you.