SE T3.09Rough and Smooth
The child feels a rough board and a smooth board with a light fingertip touch and hears their names.
Age 2–2½Work 9 of 13 in Size, Color, Shape, Texture, Sound, and Smell
Safety
- Glue the sandpaper flat with sealed edges so the child cannot peel it off and mouth it; replace a board if an edge lifts.
- Check the smooth board for splinters.
Presentation
- 1
Wash and dry hands with the child.
- 2
Place the rough board in front of the child and hold it still with one hand.
- 3
Stroke it lightly from top to bottom with the pads of two fingers. Say, "Rough."
- 4
Stroke the smooth board the same way. Say, "Smooth." Point of interest: the difference under the fingertips.
- 5
Invite the child to feel each board; if they press hard or scratch, show the light touch again.
- 6
Give the second period: "Touch rough." "Touch smooth."
- 7
Return the boards to the shelf with the child.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Match two rough and two smooth boards by touch
- Find rough and smooth things in the room and outdoors, such as bark and a window
- Feel the boards with eyes closed and point to the one named
Control of error
The two surfaces look and feel very different; the adult sees whether the child touches the named board during the second period.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Touches lightly with the fingertips without scratching
- Touches the named board when asked
- Pairs two rough and two smooth boards