Stacking and nesting
Stacking and nesting games can enable baby to explore, play with mathematical concepts like space and geometry and increase their vocabulary and listening skills. This is a fun way to support baby’s cooperative, problem-solving and turn-taking skills.
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
| Te reo Māori | English |
|---|---|
| Kaitohutohu | Advisor, instructor |
| Whakaoti rapanga | Problem solving |
| Whakamātauhia | To experiment |
| Nunui | Really big |
| Iti rawa | Really small |
| Roto | In |
| Waho | Outside |
| Runga | On |
| Raro | Under |
| He poto rawa | Too short |
| He nui rawa | Too big |
| I te taha | On the side |
| Whakatautikatia | Balance |
| Takanga | Fall |
| Tikoki | Unstable, capsize |
| Tukituki | Knock over |
| Whakahauhau | Encouragement, urging |
| Umere(tia) | Applaud, cheer |
| Ka pai koe | Well done you |
| Kātahi te pēpi mōhio, ko koe | What a clever baby you are |
| Pakipaki | Clap |
| Ka mau te wehi! | Awesome! |
