The sticks may be used in representing designs in which the straight line prevails. The lines may be placed in vertical or horizontal position. Sticks may be arranged as soldiers, standing two and two in straight vertical lines; or as fences in horizontal position.
They may be classified as to length. Let the child sort them as wood for the woodpile, putting together those of same length. Or play he is in the store to buy a cane and sees those of different lengths, some for men, some for children.
For designing give the child four sticks of one length and let him make a square. Give him four of another length and let him make a larger square. Then with these eight sticks let him make two oblongs of the same size. Give him these exercises as puzzles, but do not let him play with the sticks until he gets nervous in trying to keep them in position.
Play With Lentils
These are necessarily few and simple. Let the child make circles, squares, etc., by putting the lentils in rows. He can also represent the mass of a tree's foliage by placing a number of the lentils in a mass.
CHAPTER XII
KINDERGARTEN MATERIALS
The Kindergarten Occupations
The kindergarten gifts proceed, as will have been observed, from the solid through other forms to the point. The objects made with these are but temporary, and the same material may be used again and again.