Post the shapes
Work out how large rigid shapes pass through a purpose-made posting toy.
8 minutesWhat you'll need
Purpose-made posting toy labelled suitable for children under 3 · Two large rigid one-piece posting shapes
Before you start
Can manipulate large household objects
Best fit: indoors · medium energy · low caregiver effort · low mess
How to play
- Show one rigid shape going partly through.
- Let your child push it through or retrieve it from the open side.
- Explore what happens from both sides.
Use the widest opening with one shape already aligned.
Work out how large rigid shapes pass through a purpose-made posting toy.
Offer the two shapes one at a time and wonder which opening fits.
Changing hand positions and predicting where the scarf appears.
Use no scarf, ribbon, cord, loop, cardboard or loose fabric. Inspect the under-3 posting toy and rigid shapes, stay within arm's reach, stop mouthing or finger trapping, and count and store all pieces.
Why it may be useful
This gives your child room to explore while you add just enough help to keep the puzzle interesting.
moderateGuided-play evidence is stronger in preschool samples; toddler activities should remain simple and child-led.
Weisberg, Hirsh-Pasek and Golinkoff (2016) — Guided Play: Principles and Practices
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