Here's What To Do
1
Gather three round containers that fit inside each other, like measuring cups, food storage containers or nesting toys.
2
Start by offering two same-sized containers so your child can practice the idea of putting one cup inside another without needing to think about size.
3
Next, give your child the smallest and largest containers to explore which one fits inside the other. Then try two containers that are closer in size.
4
Once your child can easily nest two containers, offer all three and encourage them to figure out the correct order.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Sit with me on the floor and give me a hug.
E
Engage:
- "Can you fit one of these cups inside the other?"
- Describe what I'm doing, like: "Yes! You fit the smaller cup inside the bigger cup!"
E
Encourage:
- Let me explore how nesting cups fit together through trial and error. Wait for me to try a few times on my own before offering help.
- If I need an extra hint, try lining the cups side by side according to size. Or, give me the smallest and middle cup first, and then give me the largest cup once I've nested the first two.
R
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?
Help me practice nesting two differently sized cups.
Ready for more?
Help me practice nesting four square or rectangle-shaped boxes.
As your child masters this skill...
They will be able to nest three round containers into each other.