Safety

  • Every object must not fit the small parts test cylinder (1.25 in. × 2.25 in.).
  • Use unbreakable objects for this work.

Presentation

  1. 1

    Carry the basket to the mat with the child and sit beside them.

  2. 2

    Take out one of each object and lay them in a row, naming each: "Cup. Spoon. Ball."

  3. 3

    Take out the second cup. Hold it slowly next to each object in the row, then place it beside the first cup: "Cup. The same."

  4. 4

    Hand the child the next object from the basket and name it.

  5. 5

    Wait while the child looks along the row. This is the point of interest: the child places the object beside its match.

  6. 6

    Name the pair: "Spoon and spoon. The same." Let the child match the last pair.

  7. 7

    Put the objects back in the basket together and return the basket to the shelf.

Extensions, easiest to hardest

  1. Four or five pairs
  2. Pairs that look more alike, such as a red cup and a blue cup, each with its identical partner
  3. The child takes out all the objects and matches them without the adult laying out the first row
  4. Period 2 before matching: "Show me the cup."

Control of error

The objects: two objects that do not match look different side by side, and a wrong match leaves an object with no partner at the end.

Ready to move on when the child…

  • Matches three pairs without help
  • Returns the basket to the shelf with all the objects in it
  • Gives the named object when asked
  • Chooses the work again on their own

Try “pink tower”, “tummy”, “diaper”, “grace and courtesy”, or “October”.