This is an easy set-up at Christmas. You should also have some willing participants if there is chocolate involved! We also used the opportunity to discuss how they would feel with a visual impairment, and think about the difficulties they might face in our community.

Resources

  • Blindfold
  • Chocolate selection box

Method

Step 1: Examine the layout of the chocolates.

Step 2: Put the blindfold on and empty out the selection boxes. This provides an opportunity to feel the shape of the box and the chocolates.

Step 2: Using only touch, feel the shape of the chocolates to refill the tray. This is a good opportunity to use mathematical vocabulary.

Finn struggled with the language to describe the differences between these shapes: “It’s another rectangle.. ooh hang on, this one feels orange!”

Step 3: Take the blindfold off to see the results. Discuss any challenges found.

I love that by the end of the activity, they were both biting their lips, desperate to try one of the chocolates!

DfES Early Learning Goals (2017)

Communication and language

ELG 03 – Speaking:

Children express themselves effectively, showing awareness of listeners’ needs. They use past, present and future forms accurately when talking about events that have happened or are to happen in the future.

Mathematics

ELG12 – Shape, space and measures:

Children use everyday language to talk about size, weight, capacity and distance to compare objects and to solve problems. They recognise, create and describe patterns. They explore characteristics of everyday objects and shapes and use mathematical language to describe them.

Understanding the world

ELG 13 – People and communities:

Children know about similarities and differences between themselves and others, and among families, communities and traditions.