Why do it?

  • Stacking and nesting activities give baby opportunities to share attention with whānau and explore what fits into what, and what stacks on what.
  • Baby also learns problem-solving skills and language skills (including prepositions such as ‘in’, ‘on’, ‘out’, ‘under’ and ‘over’).

How to do it

  • Start with a small number of items — about 4 — that ‘nest’ in each other.
  • Encourage baby to explore what item fits into what.
  • Turn the objects over and show baby how to put one on top of another.
  • Encourage baby to explore other objects that can be stacked on top of each other.
  • Use words like ‘in’, ‘on’ or ‘too big’ to describe what baby is doing as they explore.
  • Build a block or box ‘tower’ for baby to knock over.
  • Give baby a clap and a smile when they succeed.

Using more te reo Māori

Kaitohutohu Advisor, instructor
Whakaoti rapanga Problem solving
Whakamātauhia Try out, experiment
Nui rawa Really big
Iti rawa Really small
Roto In
Waho Out
Runga On
Raro Under
He poto rawa Too short
He nui rawa Too big
I te taha On the side
Whakatautikatia To balance
Takanga Fall
Titoki Unstable, capsize
Tukituki Knock over
Whakahauhau Encouragement, urging
Umeretia Cheer, applaud
Ka pai koe Well done you
Kātahi nā te pēpi mōhio, ko koe What a clever baby you are
Pakipaki Clapping
Ka mau te wehi! Tjhat's amazing!