B a r b a r a s h e r I l L u s t r a t I o n s b y r a L p h

L
E A R N E D
Children are getting the experience of dramatic play where they can try out
what it would be like to have mail to read. Seeing advantages to reading
encourages children to make the effort it takes to actually learn that skill.
Kaleidoscope
Children and adults love kaleidoscopes simply because watching colorful
things move about, forming different exquisite patterns, is fascinating. Little
ones often can’t enjoy these pattern changes because they are not yet able to
focus one eye through the peephole of a kaleidoscope. You can still give them
that experience by making a larger version of this captivating toy.
T
Y P E O F
A
T T E N T I O N
E
N C O U R A G E D
Focused
M
A T E R I A L S
Strong transparent plastic box
Small items, such as buttons, crinkled-up foil, feathers, glittering
sequins, unpopped corn, colored beads, beans, broken costume
jewelry, feathers, coins, peanuts, pebbles, salt, roofing nails
Duct tape
Games for 1- to 3-Year-Olds
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D
I R E C T I O N S
Put objects in the box and tape it firmly closed.
Shake the box for your child and point out the dif-
ferent things inside. Your interest in the box will
be infectious. After the introduction, leave
the box with her to continue discovering,
on her own, the ways different objects
move and sound. Make sure she is not
able to loosen the tape, and watch out
for signs that the box is cracking as a
result of the child’s banging it against
hard surfaces.
V
A R I A T I O N
Take a clear, wide-mouth plastic bottle
with a lid and fill it half full of water. If you want, add a few drops of food
coloring. Put in items that float, such as corks, Ping-Pong balls, bits of
sponges, and aluminum foil, and then glue or securely tape on the lid.