MV T3.08Posting Discs Through a Slot
The child turns flat wooden discs on edge and posts them through a narrow slot in a box.
Age 13 mo–20 moWork 8 of 15 in Eye-Hand Coordination
Safety
- Each disc must not fit the small parts test cylinder (1.25 in. wide × 2.25 in. deep); discs at least 5 cm (2 in.) across do not fit. Do not use real coins or bottle caps, which do fit.
- Check disc edges for splinters and count the discs in and out so a missing one is found.
Presentation
- 1
Carry the tray to the table and sit beside the child, with the slot running left to right in front of them and the discs in the bowl.
- 2
Pick up one disc by its edge with your thumb and fingers.
- 3
Turn your wrist slowly so the disc stands on its edge in line with the slot. This wrist turn is the difficulty isolated in this work.
- 4
Lower the disc into the slot and push it until it drops. Pause.
- 5
Post a second disc the same way. Then invite the child to post the rest.
- 6
When all the discs are in, open the drawer, take them out one at a time, and put them in the bowl.
- 7
Return the tray to the shelf.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Box with the slot turned to run front to back, which needs a different wrist turn
- Box with two slots at different angles
- Thinner discs with a narrower slot, each disc still at least 5 cm across
Control of error
A disc that is not turned in line with the slot will not go in.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Turns each disc to line up with the slot before bringing it down
- Posts all the discs without help
- Takes the discs out and returns them to the bowl