This work presupposes the child already knows that names of each of the objects
A bag as attractive as possible with approximately 10 objects that are very different from each other such as, a key, a cotton ball, a pine cone, a button, a small basket, etc.
Invite the child or children to come and work with you. Show the child/children the Mystery Bag and name it for him/them. Tell the child/children that we will be working with the Mystery Bag today. Bring the bag over to a table and have the child sit to your left, or if there is a group, have them sit around the table.
Procedure
- Place the bag flat on the table with the opening near you.
- Put one of your hands into the bag.
- Choose one object to feel.
- Feel the object and tell the child/children what you feel, i.e. soft, fluffy, light, etc.
- Once you think you know what you are feeling, say the object’s name out loud: i.e. “I think this is a cotton ball.”
- Pull the object out of the bag and you can say, “Yes! It is a cotton ball.”
- Place the object to the side of the table.
- Allow the child sitting to your left to try.
- Remind the child to feel, and then to say the object’s name before taking it out of the bag.
- Once the child has had a turn, allow the next child to have a turn or if there is only one child, you can have another turn.
- If you are working with one child, you can take turns feeling and guessing the objects in the bag until all of the objects have been chosen.
- If you are working with a group, make sure each child has a turn until all of the objects have been chosen.
The names of the objects.
Direct
To refine the stereognostic sense and material visualization.
In the other children (if they happen to be watching a child working with this material)
The child, when the object is taken out of the bag.
3 1/2 – 4 years
Change the objects as often as needed to keep the childrens’ interest.
Use real objects.
Do not put any objects in the bag that are sharp, dangerous, or breakable.