Roll It Or Stack It

What you need

• a soft ball
• a few blocks

How to do it

1. Put a ball and a few blocks on the floor between you.
2. Roll the ball and say 'round, it rolls'.
3. Try rolling a block, then stack it instead: 'flat, it stacks'.
4. Let them try both and say 'rolls' or 'stacks' as they go.

Why it matters

Rolling one and stacking the other shows them what round and flat do, with no explaining needed.

What they're learning

Comparing shapes

Finding out that round rolls and flat stays put is sorting by shape.

Stacking

Placing one block squarely on another takes a gentle, steady hand.

Rolling

A push and a let-go sends the ball, and you send it back.

What to look for

Watch for them trying to roll a block, then switching to stacking it.

A tip

Soft foam blocks are quieter when the tower comes down.

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