Encourage children to explore a set of materials and identify their properties as they build a bed for a favorite toy.

Adaptations specific to this investigation are included in the resource

Try this activity on the floor or at a table, whichever environment allows all children to participate.

• Provide materials that are easy for children to grasp (this might mean larger, softer items).
• Provide a grabber tool to aid children in picking up items.

• If children do not yet identify or recognize properties, encourage them to explore the materials with all of their senses. Then label the properties and attributes as children explore.
• Use  an animal of interest to engage children.