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Notes for adults

Age 1 · 5 min · Easy

A child puts large, colorful pieces through an opening in a box, exploring hand movements while hearing the names of colors.

Learning objectives

  • Hold and release a piece into the box.
  • Listen as an adult names colors during play.
  • Explore opening and closing the box with help.

What you need

  • A sturdy cardboard box with a lid or opening flap
  • Two or three thick, rigid, colorful play pieces designed for the child's age and larger than the child's mouth in every
  • Adult scissors for preparing the box

Safety notes

An adult must stay beside the child throughout the activity. Do not use bottle caps or pieces that are small, thin, breakable or fit in the child's mouth. Use only rigid, age-appropriate pieces that are larger than the child's mouth in every dimension. If you do not have suitable pieces, do not do the activity. An adult should cut the box before play and check for rough edges and loose parts. The opening must be wide enough that the child's hand cannot get stuck. If the child puts a piece in their mouth, calmly remove it and stop the activity.

How to do it

  1. Before play, cut a wide, smooth opening in the top of the box. Make sure the pieces and your child's hand can pass through without getting stuck.
  2. Place the box on the floor and sit beside your child with the pieces.
  3. Show your child a piece and name its color, without asking them to repeat it.
  4. Show how to drop the piece through the opening.
  5. Offer one piece at a time for your child to explore and put in the box. Help as needed.
  6. Open the box to reveal the pieces and invite your child to play again.
  7. When you finish, put the box and pieces out of your child's reach.

Teaching suggestions

  • Describe what happens: “The blue piece went in!”
  • If it is tricky, move the box closer or offer the piece near the opening.
  • It is fine if your child only holds or watches the piece. There is no need to get it right.
  • Name the colors of large objects your child already sees at home.

Variations

  • Easier: Remove the box lid and invite your child to put a piece in through the large opening.
  • Harder: Offer two pieces of different colors and invite your child to choose one. Name the chosen color without expecting your child to recognize it.
  • Extend the play: Take the pieces out and put those of the same color together, describing what you are doing.

Talk about it

  • What happened to the piece?
  • Which piece would you like?
  • How can we get the pieces out of the box?

What to look for

  • Notice whether your child holds and releases a piece into the box, with or without help.
  • Notice whether your child looks, points or reacts when you show and name a piece.
  • Observe how your child explores the box when you open it.