Posting items through a slot develops children’s hand–eye co-ordination.
It also encourages problem solving — in this activity, the lid will only fit through the slot at a certain angle.
In addition, it gives children a chance to experience a challenge and achieve success.
It could also be developed into a turn-taking activity.
As with most other activities, it’s an opportunity for whānau to use language-building strategies — parallel talk, self-talk and stretch talk.
How to do it
You’ll need a container with a lid (an ice cream container is ideal).
You can cut an opening in the side (optional) for easy retrieval once lids have been posted through the slot.
You’ll need several round lids that are too big to fit inside a cling wrap roll (to avoid them being a choking hazard).
Cut a slot in the container lid that the posting lids will fit through sideways.
Offer the container with the lid on, and the lids for posting, to your toddler.
Watch what happens and guide or model for your child, if necessary.
Let them repeat the posting activity until they lose interest.
When they’re ready for another challenge, choose another safe object, such as a block, and cut a second slot in the container lid for it to fit through.
