Safety

  • Each peg must not fit the small parts test cylinder (1.25 in. wide × 2.25 in. deep); pegs at least 7 cm (2.75 in.) long, or at least 3.5 cm (1.4 in.) thick, do not fit. Standard small pegboard pegs do fit and are not used.
  • Count the pegs in and out each time so a missing peg is found.

Presentation

  1. 1

    Carry the tray to the table and sit beside the child, with the board in front of them and the bowl of pegs to the left.

  2. 2

    Pick up one peg near its top with your thumb and first two fingers.

  3. 3

    Hold it upright over the first hole on the left and lower it in until it stands. The peg standing in its hole is the point of interest.

  4. 4

    Place a second peg in the next hole, then invite the child to place the rest.

  5. 5

    When every hole has a peg, pull each one straight up, left to right, and drop it into the bowl.

  6. 6

    Return the tray to the shelf.

Extensions, easiest to hardest

  1. Board with 9–12 holes in rows
  2. Pegs in two colors, each placed in a row marked with its color
  3. Copying a short row of colored pegs set out by the adult on a second board

Control of error

A peg that is not upright does not go in. The number of pegs matches the number of holes, so an empty hole or a leftover peg shows one was missed.

Ready to move on when the child…

  • Places all the pegs without help
  • Fills the holes in order along the row
  • Pulls pegs out straight and returns them to the bowl

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