Many are the lessons in self-control, fair play, patience and kindness which the children practice in playing these simple games, in addition to the physical exercise and training in alertness, in seeing correctly and in acting quickly.
Second Gift Beads
Mrs. Hailmann, a kindergarten training teacher, some years ago added to the "gifts" the so-called "second gift beads," much loved by wee children.
These are perforated wooden beads in shape of the sphere, cube and cylinder. They come in two sizes and may be had in colors or uncolored. A shoe lace comes with them for stringing.
In delightful plays with these beads the child learns to distinguish form and color, and has practice in simple designing.
At first let him have a number of different kinds and let him thread them as he pleases. Observe him and see if, of his own initiative, he will distinguish either form or color. After a while he will probably, without suggestion, begin to string them in some sort of order—one sphere, one cube, one sphere, one cube, etc. Two spheres, two cubes, two cylinders, etc.
When he begins to see differences, give him two forms only and let him arrange. Later give him others. Too many at first will be confusing.
Besides the stringing, these beads may be used in other ways. Make a fence by putting two cubes and a sphere, one on top of the other for a post, and then join these to similar posts by running toothpicks or burnt matches through the perforations.
Place cubes and cylinders, one on top of another, and use as tree box with tiny twig or elderberry branch for tree. If making a toy village of blocks or cardboard, these little beads will make good lampposts.
The Pegboard