Scarf Pull Box

What you need

• an empty tissue box wrapped in wrapping paper, with the hole left open
• three or four light scarves

How to do it

1. Hand your toddler the wrapped box and pull the tip of one scarf out of the hole so they can see it.
2. Let them pinch the scarf and pull, and pull, until it all comes out.
3. Say a big "ta-da!" as each scarf comes free, then wave it about together.
4. Push the scarves back in one at a time, letting them do the pushing, and start again.

Why it matters

A long soft scarf coming out of a small hole is a surprise every single time, and the pinch and pull works the grip they use later for dressing and drawing.

What they're learning

Pinch and pull

Gripping the end of a scarf between finger and thumb is a fine grip they use for zips, pages and crayons.

Cause and effect

Pull, and out comes more: they learn that what they do makes something happen.

Putting back

Pushing the scarves back into the hole is the start of filling and emptying, and of tidying up.

What to look for

Watch for them peeking into the hole to look for more before they pull again.

A tip

Use scarves no longer than your arm, and put them away when you finish so none get wound round a neck.

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