Play activity 7 - dropping in

This activity develops listening, object permanence, manipulative skills, exploring and experimenting.

What’s in the box?

• A deep tin
• Two pence pieces
• Rice
• Rubber ball
• Chain
• Buttons

Activities

• Encourage the child to explore each of the objects.
• Drop the items one at a time into the tin, listening to the sounds they make when they hit the bottom.
• Count the items as they are dropped in.
• Encourage the child to drop in one item, then shake the tin to see what sounds are made. Empty the tin and try another item.
• Use the tone of your voice to demonstrate anticipation of what is going to happen next.
• Use anticipation phrases such as ‘ready, steady, go’ and ‘one, two, three, go’.

Moving on

• Try other household items.
• Have two items and count to two each time different items are used.
• Ask the child to put two items in the box – help them count them in.

Observation and assessment

• Minimise distractions and allow the child time to explore objects.
• Note which side the child moves most frequently – encourage the other side using additional stimuli.
• Use mathematical language to demonstrate what you are doing.
• Introduce objects of different shapes or weights.
• Encourage the child to explore different texture and note likes or dislikes.

Inclusion guide

• In a group – find vessels to drop items into, try to have a variety of different heights.
• Discuss whether sounds are loud or quiet and ask children if they know why the sounds differ.

How the dropping in activity contributes to the Early Years Foundation Stage