The pegboard, an additional gift devised by Mrs. Alice H. Putnam, can also be had in two sizes, the large one to be preferred. The board is perforated with holes at regular intervals and is accompanied with colored pegs, which the child loves to insert in the openings.
He may arrange them in ranks for soldiers, according to color, two and two, or four and four, learning thus to count.
A flower-bed with red flowers in one corner and green bushes in another may be made.
He may play that the pegs are kindergarten children playing follow the leader, some with red dresses, some with blue waists, etc.
A birthday cake with candles may be represented, or a line of telegraph poles, if father has gone on a journey, and over the imaginary wires a message may be sent.
The pegboard is also loved by very young children.
Plays with the Other Gifts
The third gift cubes may be built by the little child into houses, furniture, wagons, etc. It is very simple, and yet when handling it the child learns something of form and number and gains skill with his tiny hands.
The fourth gift expresses "proportion." Each block is twice the length of those in the preceding gift and half as high. He can build with it objects impossible with the first divided cube. The two may often be used in conjunction.
The fifth gift requires a decided increase in the child's powers of coördination. He can make with it a very great variety of objects. Only a kindergartner can appreciate its many possibilities.