Shape matching persistence
2–3 yearsSuccess MindsetMaterials: Shape sorter toy
Or a box with holes cut in different shapes and corresponding objects
Use a shape sorter toy or create one with a box and cut holes. Give your child shapes to match and insert. This involves trial and error as they try different orientations and holes. When they get frustrated, acknowledge it: 'That one is tricky.' Then wait before helping, giving them the chance to try another approach. Stay close and encouraging, but let them problem-solve through the challenge.
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How to Do This Activity
Use a shape sorter toy or create one with a box and cut holes. Give your child shapes to match and insert. This involves trial and error as they try different orientations and holes. When they get frustrated, acknowledge it: 'That one is tricky.' Then wait before helping, giving them the chance to try another approach. Stay close and encouraging, but let them problem-solve through the challenge.
Why It Works
Problem-solving through trial and error with appropriate challenges builds the perseverance component of grit. Studies show that grit predicts positive educational outcomes including achievement and talent development (Credé et al., 2017). When children work through shape-matching challenges, experiencing failure and then success through their own persistence, they internalize that effort leads to mastery, a foundational belief for developing grit.
Tips for Parents
Start with just two or three different shapes to keep frustration manageable.
Notice their strategies aloud: 'You tried it this way, and now you're turning it.'
If they're truly stuck for a while, you can help orient one shape while they push it through, maintaining their active role.
Materials Needed
Shape sorter toy
Or a box with holes cut in different shapes and corresponding objects
Learning Methods
Interactive Play-Based LearningHands-On Sensory Activities
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