Materials Geoboard (these can be purchased at educational stores/sites) OR a piece of wood with nails for the same effect. We have also seen peg boards with bolts (and nuts) screwed in from the underside to form pegs which allows for you to vary the size. With commercially made geoboards often there is one side that is in a grid formation (e.g., 4 X 4) and the other side might have a different grid (e.g., 5 X 5) or a circle Nylon loops (We cut loops out of tan or brown nylon stockings, but cutting across the leg potions in widths about 5 cm or 2 inches wide) OR use elastics Scissors Directions A geoboard is a great tool for learning and exploring geometric ideas and/or challenges. They typically use rubber bands/ elastics. This is an easy (and gentle) way to introduce younger children to their use so they will be prepared for the progression to elastics. Using a geoboard (as shown) or a piece of wood with nails for the same effect, create your own stretchy elastic nest materials by cutting tights and/or panty hose cut as shown. Stretch them over the pegs to make a nest shape. Could you make a nest using triangles? Rectangles? What is the biggest nest you can make? Smallest? Purpose Fine motor skill development, hand/eye coordination, introduction to the geoboard, geometric and/or spatial awareness Safety Notes If you decide to go with the nail option, be sure to have adult supervision with any cutting of wood and the use of a hammer and nails or have them do it. Additionally, be sure to protect your eyes with safety glasses. If you use elastics, review with children that elastics are a tool, rather than a toy. Please like & share: Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Your email address will not be published. Name* Email* Website Comment Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Notify me of new posts by email.
