One of my favorite montessori activities for 12-18 months is the coin box. Really, it’s because there’s so much nostalgia associated with this activity, for me.
When my eldest was born, 10 years ago, the hubby and I were just starting out and couldn’t really afford much of anything, let alone, expensive montessori materials for a baby. In those days, the montessori materials were not as easily accessible as they are now thanks to amazon as well as the many montessori online shops that exist now. I wanted my daughter to have the coin box but since I couldn’t afford it, I decided to make it. It was one of the activities I could keep in the diaper bag since it was small and lightweight. Big A spent many doctors appointments, parties and even an 18 hour plane ride engaging I this activity.
I no longer have the original box I made. Recently, I wanted to introduce this activity to my toddler club for 12-28 month olds. However, purchasing a coin box for each of the 10 kids in the club was pricier than I had bargained for. So, having had the experience of making this years ago, I decided to undertake the task of making them. I made a total of 10 boxes. The coin box is inspired by the montessori coin box but doesn’t contain the exact same elements as the original. However, it achieves the same outcome.
Unlike the montessori coin box, this coin box does NOT have a drawer. Instead the coins can be retrieved simply by opening the latched lid of the box. Also, the coins used are multicolored unlike the standard blue coins of the Montessori box. Other than that, it’s the same.
To make this box, here’s what you will need:
- A wood box made of balsa wood. The one pictured is from Michaels, however most craft stores carry similar boxes. This box measures approximately 4 in x 4 in.
- A drill and a 3/16 drill bit.
- A ruler or carpenter’s square.
- A pencil to make markings.
- An exacto knife.
- Wood chips/coins measuring 1.5 inches.
- Spray paint or acrylic paint in your choice of color.
Instructions:
- Measure the box from the front to the back and mark the center.
Instructions Step 1 - Then, measure the length of the box (left to right) and make a 2 inch line in the center, using the first marking as a guide.
Instructions Step 2 - Draw a thick dot on both ends of the line. This will serve as the guide when you are drilling.
Instructions Step 3-4 - Use the drill fitted with the 3/16 drill bit and make holes where you previously made thick dots. This drill bit should work for most of the chips available through craft stores and online retailers. If your chip is exceptionally thick, use a thicker drill bit.
Instructions Step 5 - Next, use a straight edge, either the ruler or the carpenter square along with the exacto knife to “connect the dots”. You will cut along edge of one drilled hole to the next. Repeat this on the opposite end of the hole. The end result will be a perfectly cut coin slot.
Montessori Coin box – Final product
Note: you may have to make a few cuts before the wood is actually cut through. The wood is really soft and will eventually cut through, so be patient. Do Not apply too much force or you may end up damaging the box. You can easily clean up the cut by running the exacto knife along the inner edge of the cuts.
Paint or spray paint a couple coats of color on both sides of the coins. Let the paint dry a few days. Paint often needs up to a month to properly cure. However, you should be able to use it within two days. Just be extra careful not to let your little put it inside their mouth. Alternatively, you could use beeswax to seal the coins and keep them in their nature color.
If you are looking for an even easier DIY tutorial, check out my friend Khadiga’s website: Click HERE
