Post the Shapes in the Box

Supports this milestone

• uses spatial awareness to understand objects and their movement in space. — Head Start ELOF

Explore milestones →

Materials

• A box or container with one or more cut openings (a round hole, a slot)
• A set of objects that fit through (large balls, jar lids, blocks)
• A few objects that are too big to fit, for contrast

Steps

• Show the child how one object drops through an opening into the box.
• Hand the child an object and let them try to find where it fits.
• When an object is too big, let the child discover it will not go through.
• Open the box together to tip everything out and start again.
• Describe the action, such as "The round lid fits the round hole."

Variations

• Use nesting cups so the child fits smaller cups inside larger ones.
• Roll a ball under a low table and talk about where it went.

Differentiation

• For younger toddlers, offer one wide opening and objects that all fit.
• For older toddlers, match several shapes to several openings.

Accessibility

• Add color or texture contrast around each opening to make matches easier to see and feel.

Safety

• Use objects too large to swallow and a box with smooth, safe edges.

Practices these skills

• Explores Objects and Their Movement in Space

Evidence

• Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) — U.S. Office of Head Start · 2015 · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services