Posting Box
Toddler drops objects through a matching hole in a box lid, exploring the trajectory and containment schemas.
- Age12 months to 2 years
- Time5 to 15 minutes
- EnergyCalm
- CostFree
- WhereIndoors
- Prep5 min
Your toddler posts objects through a hole in a box lid and hears them land inside, a satisfying drop-and-find task that builds aim and hand control.
How to do it
- Cut or find one hole in a box lid or container that is just big enough for your chosen object to fit through.
- Sit on the floor with your toddler and put a few safe objects beside the box.
- Show them once how to line one object up with the hole and let it drop in.
- Hand over an object and let them try posting it themselves.
- When the box is full, open it together, tip everything out, and start again.
What you need
- Box
- Safe objects
Signs it is working
Your toddler lines an object up with the hole and lets go so it drops in. They look for the object after it disappears or reach to open the box. They ask to fill it again after you tip it out
If it is not quite clicking
The hole is too small: They will give up, so make it clearly bigger than the object. They only want to open and dump rather than post: Follow their lead, as dumping is part of the same schema. They lose interest: Swap in objects that make a sound when they land
Make it yours
Younger (12-15mo): Use a wide opening and larger objects. Older (2-3y): Use two different holes and objects that match each shape. Siblings: An older child can post alongside using their own box
Try this with your child.
Tell PLAI™ about your child and this moment. It shapes the activity to fit.
Try it in the app