Early learning (and school readiness) isn’t about knowing just the ABC’s and 1,2,3’s.
It’s not only about what a child learns, but also about how they think, interact with their environment, how they see themselves and their community, and much more.
What does playing “What’s In The Box” accomplish?
- Analytic and comprehension skills: children learn to ask questions that lead to discovery.
- Listening skills: children have to hear and interpret responses to lead to their guess.
- Communication skills: children formulate questions and practice answering too.
Preparation:
- Take a box; shoebox size works great.
- Decorate the outside of the box with question marks.
- Put a “mystery object” inside the box.
- Close the lid.
How to play:
- Every child in your family (or try it at a birthday party!) can ask one question about what is inside the box.
- When everyone has had a turn, everyone can take a guess what is inside the box. If they can’t guess, give hints.
- If someone guesses, they can open up the box and show the group. Maybe they get to be the next person to choose something. Remember, it’s not about winning and losing-it’s about having fun with your child while teaching skills.
- Ideas for what you could put in the box:
- Diaper pin
- Teddy bear
- Piece of fruit
- Cup
- Book
- Crayon
- Spoon
© Parent Trust for Washington Children