Posting into a slot
Posting items into a slot strengthens problem-solving skills and early mathematical concepts as tamariki match the shape they hold with the shape of the slot. When played with whānau, language-building and turn-taking are supported.
Why do it?
- Posting items through a slot develops children’s hand–eye coordination.
- 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.
Using more te reo Māori
| Te reo Māori | English |
|---|---|
| Pouaka | Box |
| Kōhao | Hole |
| Tapahi | Cut |
| Ipu | Container |
| Taupoki | Lid |
| Rākau | Stick |
| Pene rākau | Pencil |
| Motukā | Car |
| Mātiti | Peg |
| Ipu taupoki | Bottle top |
| Anō | Do it again |
| Kuhuna ki roto | Put it in |
| Tukuna | Release, let go |
| Purua | Put in |
| Ko koe te tuatahi | You go first |
| Ko au te tuarua | I'll go second |
| Nōu te wā | Your turn |
| Nōku te wā | My turn |
| Kohia ētahi... | Collect some... |
| Homai te... | Give me the... |
| Mauria mai te... | Bring me the... |
| Kohiā te mātiti | Pick up the peg |
| Whakaretiretitia | To slide, slide down |
| Ngakuru | Drop out |
| Haere ki raro | Going down |
