
Stacking and nesting Activity
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! |