When outside the classroom, keeping our kids entertained is a challenge enough, but keeping them learning at the same time? Without screen time? Seems impossible. It can feel like the iPad is the only option, but not anymore! Introducing: the Busy Binder.

A Busy Binder is the perfect, compact, portable resource full of activities to keep your kiddos busy and learning no matter where you are. In this blog, we’ve outlined just what a Busy Binder is as well as six of our favorite activities to include in our own Busy Binders.

What is a Busy Binder?

A Busy Binder is full of things to keep your child busy, without the iPad or tv. You can fill each binder with independent activities for your child to entertain themselves, and they are great for every age as they’re completely customizable! Not only do we love busy binders for their boredom-busting purpose, but they’re also an excellent way to keep your child learning outside of the classroom. Any fun and/or educational activities can be put in the binder, some of our favorites are outlined below. 

Busy Binder Supplies you’ll need:

• 3-ring Binder
• Printable activities
• Printer
• Crayons/Pencils/Pens/Markers
• 3-ring Hole punch
• Scissors
• **Laminator or Clear Binder Pocket sleeves- not necessary but a great way to make all the worksheets/activities reusable! You can turn any piece of paper into a dry-erase surface.
  • **Dry erase markers
• **Binder Pencil Pouch
• **Subscriptions to:
  • MyWorksheetMaker– where you can create worksheets (with addable features like Fill-in-the-Blank, Word Scramble, Handwriting practice lines, and more!,) Flashcards, and Bingo boards.
  • MyWordSearch– where you can create your own customizable word search puzzles
  • MyCrosswordMaker– where you can create your own customizable crossword puzzles

**Optional but recommended

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6 Printable Busy Binder Ideas

Crosswords

Crosswords are a great way to keep your child busy while getting them to practice their spelling at the same time! You can find many member-made crosswords using the ‘Browse’ feature on My Crossword Maker. Thousands of crosswords can be found in the ‘Browse’ feature, all made by our members that can be filtered by various categories such as By Grade, Culture, Holidays, and more! If you can’t find a crossword that works for you and/or your child, you can easily create your own on our site that can be printed for a small fee. 

Word Searches

Word Searches are another educational tool that can keep your child busy and learning at the same time. They are great for any age, even the littlest ones who can’t read yet as they just have to find the letters in a row; which also makes them great for spelling and reading practice! You can find many member-made crosswords using the ‘Browse’ feature on My Word Search. Thousands of word searches can be found in the ‘Browse’ feature, all made by our members that can be filtered by various categories such as By Grade, Culture, Holidays, and more! If you can’t find a word search that works for your child, you can easily create your own on our site that can be printed for a small fee.

A Game of ‘Memory’

A game of ‘Memory’ is great for keeping your child’s brain in tip-top shape. You can make your own memory cards for your memory game at MyWorksheetMaker.com using the ‘Flashcard’ making feature. With a subscription, you’ll be able to make unlimited printable flashcards and then all you’ll need to do is print and cut! 

Matching games

Matching games are a fantastic idea for those with little ones who don’t quite understand the rules of traditional Memory. These games can be played just like traditional Memory but with all the cards facing up instead of down. This would be a great tool for practicing sight words, new vocabulary, and even practicing math problems! You can make your own matching cards for your matching game with My Worksheet Maker using the ‘Flashcard’ making feature. With a subscription, you’ll be able to make unlimited printable flashcards, and then all you’ll need to do is print and cut! 

Handwriting practice worksheets

Handwriting practice can be a great activity for younger children who are still learning how to hold a pencil and write. You can make your own handwriting practice worksheets adding blank, traceable, and directional handwriting practice lines. Not only is there an option for print and cursive, but there are also over 15 different fonts to choose from. All you have to do is type whatever words or sentences you want and voila! You have a customized handwriting practice worksheet for your printing pleasure. 

A Word Scramble

Word Scrambles are another fun way to get your child to practice their spelling. These are especially great for those who are just learning how to read, write, and spell. You can make your own word scramble worksheets where there’s a feature to add word scramble problems to your customizable worksheets. All you have to do is add the ‘Word Scramble’ feature, type a word, and our software will randomly scramble the letters for you. To make them even more advanced for older kids, you can even scramble entire sentences and the spaces will show up as underscores! 

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We hope you find these ideas useful and can now create a personalized Busy Binder for your kiddos to keep them busy and learning all summer long. Of course, this is not an exhaustive list so feel free to share your own ideas in the comments below! 

Thanks for reading and happy Busy Binder making!

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