Posting and Filling
To develop early spatial understanding through posting and filling activities.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Mathematics
- Learning area: Mathematics
- Level: EYFS Birth-2
Objectives
- Posts objects into containers
- Shows understanding of in/out
- Fills and empties deliberately
- Problem-solves size matching
Materials
- Posting boxes with varied openings
- Containers of different sizes
- Safe small objects for posting
- Nesting cups
Instructions
Set up a posting station with containers that have different-sized openings. Start with large openings that require minimal precision and progress to smaller openings as motor skills develop.
Narrate the spatial language as babies post: 'In! It went IN! Can you do another one — IN!' Every time an object disappears into a container, use the word 'in' clearly.
Tip the container out and watch the baby's reaction: 'ALL GONE! Where did they go? Let's tip... OUT they come!' The in-out cycle is endlessly fascinating and teaches reversibility.
Provide containers that nest inside each other. Watch the baby attempt to put a large cup inside a small one — they'll learn through experience that sizes must match. Resist the urge to correct; let them discover.
As toddlers develop, introduce filling with sand, water, rice — anything that can be scooped in and tipped out. 'Full! It's full! Now let's tip it — EMPTY! All gone!'
Count objects as they're posted: 'One in... two in... three in! Three things are inside now.' Keep the counting natural and linked directly to the action.