Pine Cone Basket

What you need

• four or five big pine cones, brushed clean
• a soft scarf
• a wooden spoon
• a basket

How to do it

1. Put the pine cones, the scarf and the spoon in the basket and sit down next to it with your toddler.
2. Let them lift things out one at a time, and say a word for each: "bumpy", "soft", "smooth".
3. Tap a pine cone with the spoon, then roll one along the floor together.
4. Put everything back in the basket, one at a time, and start again.

Why it matters

Bumpy cones next to a soft scarf let them feel the difference with their own hands, while you give them the words.

What they're learning

Touch

Feeling bumpy and soft side by side helps them notice the difference.

Describing words

Bumpy, soft and smooth are words they learn best with the thing in their hand.

In and out

Taking things out and putting them back is a favourite game for busy hands.

What to look for

Watch for them turning a pine cone round and round, or rubbing the scarf on their cheek. Stay close, nothing in mouths.

A tip

Pick big cones, brush off any loose bits and check each one for broken scales before play. Pine cones are for holding, never mouthing.

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