FM.I.59 MATCHES IDENTICAL OBJECTS (NO CHOICE)

This exercise introduces to the child the concept of putting an object with others that are the same. It also strengthens his understanding of the direction ‘put’– he must put the object into the dish without taking others out.

How to Assess

Materials: Several identical small objects, such as pegs. A flat bowl or box.

Method: Put several pegs in the bowl and place it in front of your child. Give him a peg and say ‘Put the peg with the pegs’.

Score plus if your child puts the peg into the bowl.

How to Teach

You will need several sets of identical objects, for example pegs, blocks, spoons.

Teach as much as possible through demonstration, giving a clear direction each time. If your child needs a little extra help, point to the bowl as you say ‘Put’, and/or hold his wrist so that his hand is positioned above the bowl.

If your child has difficulty releasing the object into the bowl, reassess him on FM.D.36 (puts an object into a bowl).

If your child wants to take objects out of the bowl, move it out of his reach, gain his attention, and give a clear direction – ‘Put’.

Vary your materials as you teach this skill.

Playtime and Round-the-house Activities

Encourage your child to put pegs into a peg bag when you are at the clothes line, blocks into his block bucket at playtime, spoons into a container while you are drying the dishes, and so on. Always give a consistent direction – ‘Put . . . with . . .’.

Remembering and Extending

When your child has mastered this skill you can move on to the next skill in this sequence.