MV T3.05Posting Box with a Drawer
The child posts a ball through a hole in the top of a box, then opens a drawer to find it.
Safety
- The ball must be larger than 1.75 in. (44.4 mm) across under the federal small-ball rule, and a peg must not fit the small parts test cylinder (1.25 in. wide × 2.25 in. deep); a 5 cm ball and a peg at least 3.5 cm across meet both.
- The drawer knob must be glued or screwed so it cannot be twisted or pulled off; a loose knob is a small part.
- Check that the drawer slides smoothly and leaves no gap that traps fingers when it closes.
Presentation
- 1
Carry the box to a low table or mat and sit beside the child, with the drawer facing them and the ball on top of the box.
- 2
Pick up the ball and post it through the hole. Pause and look at the box.
- 3
Take the drawer knob between your thumb and fingers and pull the drawer open slowly. The ball appearing in the drawer is the point of interest.
- 4
Take the ball out. Push the drawer closed with the flat of your hand until it stops.
- 5
Post the ball, open the drawer, and take it out once more at the same speed.
- 6
Place the ball on top of the box and take your hands away.
- 7
If the child posts the ball and then looks for it elsewhere, wait. If they do not find the drawer, touch the knob once without words.
- 8
When the child stops, close the drawer, place the ball on top, and return the box to the shelf.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Box with a hinged or sliding lid instead of a drawer
- Box with a drawer that holds three balls, so the child posts all three before opening it
- Box with a drawer and a slot for flat discs (see Posting Discs Through a Slot)
Control of error
The ball does not come out until the drawer is opened, and it does not go into the hole unless it is held over the hole.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Opens the drawer right after posting, without searching elsewhere
- Closes the drawer before posting again
- Repeats the post, open, and close cycle without help
Guide note
Sellers list disc and ball drawer boxes for 12–24 months; the range here ends at 15 months for the ball or peg box, and the disc version is its own work.