Big Box, Little Box

What you need

• two or three boxes that fit inside each other, like a shoe box and a small box
• a soft toy

How to do it

1. Put the soft toy in the little box and pop the lid on.
2. Show your toddler how the little box goes inside the big box, then lift it out again.
3. Let them try putting the little box in the big box and taking it out.
4. Close the big box, hand it to them like a present, and let them open both boxes to find the toy.
5. Pack it all up again and ask them to give the box to you: "Is that for me? Thank you!"

Why it matters

Fitting one box inside another is a first puzzle about big and little, and handing the box over is a first go at giving.

What they're learning

Big and little

Trying the boxes both ways round shows them which one fits inside.

Giving

Handing the box over and seeing your face light up is the first step in giving.

Opening and closing

Lifting lids and pulling out boxes is good practice for small hands.

What to look for

Watch for them trying the big box in the little one, then turning it round to try again.

A tip

Keep the lids loose so they lift off easily, and pick a toy too big to fit through a toilet roll tube.

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