Materials
shoeboxes, one per child
cloth, approximately 4" x 4", 2 per box
stapler (adult only)
blocks
Instructions
l Cut two holes into the top of each box. The holes should be large enough for
the children to fit their hands through them.
l Use the pieces of cloth to create a curtain for each hole by stapling one edge
of the cloth to the box top. Place one square and one circular block into each
box.
What to Do
1. Give each child a box.
2. Invite the children to put one hand into each hole and without looking or
taking the items out, guess what is inside. If the children limit their descriptions
of the items as "blocks," encourage them to make comparisons and consider
shape by asking questions such as:
l How do the blocks feel the same?
l How do they feel different?
l Which block feels pointy?
l Which block feels round?
3. Show the children round and square blocks, one at a time. Ask the children to
find the matching block without looking in the box.
4. Then, ask the children to take the correct shape from the box.
Assessment
To assess the children's learning, consider the following:
l Can the children describe the differences between the blocks?
l Can the children match the blocks?
