Your Child Will Learn
About size differences between objects
Here’s What to Do
- Gather four boxes of different sizes that fit inside one another, or “nest.” (They can be shoe boxes, jewelry boxes, square food storage containers, or a square nesting toy.)
- At first, give me two boxes with very different sizes. Let me explore how they fit together.
- Then, introduce a third and fourth box. See if I can nest all 4 boxes inside one another.
- If I need a hint, try lining the boxes up side by side from smallest to largest.
Put PEER Into Action
PAUSE
- Sit with me on the floor and give me a hug.
ENGAGE
- “Can you fit these boxes inside of each other?”
- Describe what I’m doing with size words, like: “That’s the biggest container. Do you think the smallest one will fit inside?”
ENCOURAGE
- I learn through my mistakes, so let me learn through trial and error. Wait for me to try a few times before offering help.
- If I’m not nesting four boxes successfully, try giving me two close-in-size boxes first. Once I’ve nested those, then give me the next size box.
REFLECT
- Do you think you gave me the right amount of help in solving this problem? What might you try differently next time I’m exploring a problem through trial and error?
Not Quite Ready
Try the same nesting activity with round containers instead of square containers.
Ready for More
Ask me to use words to describe the sizes of the boxes.
As Your Child Masters This Skill
They will be able to nest 4 square boxes inside each other.
Time to Complete
5-10 minutes
Materials Needed
4 square boxes that nest inside each other (like: shoe boxes, jewelry boxes, square food storage containers, or a square nesting toy.)