Dropping coins into a piggy bank, pushing sticks into holes, or posting letters through a slot — this is Posting Play. Tamariki are fascinated with putting objects into spaces and watching them disappear, only to do it again and again. While it may seem repetitive, it’s a powerful way to explore cause and effect, permanence, and precision.
What is Posting Play?
Posting play happens when children insert objects into gaps, slots, or containers. You might notice tamariki:
-
Putting coins, beads, or buttons through a slot.
-
Dropping objects into bottles, tubes, or boxes.
-
Using shape sorters or homemade posting boxes.
-
Repeating the same action over and over.
Why it matters for development
Posting play supports:
-
Fine motor skills – hand–eye coordination, pincer grip, precision.
-
Problem-solving – working out what fits, what doesn’t, and why.
-
Object permanence – understanding things exist even when out of sight.
-
Early maths concepts – size, shape, and spatial awareness.
-
Concentration – posting is deeply satisfying and calming for many children.
How to support Posting Play at home or in ECE
-
Offer jars, boxes, or DIY posting tubes with different-sized holes.
-
Provide safe loose parts (large buttons, pom poms, wooden coins).
-
Rotate materials to keep the play fresh and challenging.
-
Celebrate persistence — posting is practice for writing, threading, and building later on.
Freeplay Resources Kit
Our Posting Play Kit includes beautifully chosen materials for safe, open-ended posting play. It gives tamariki endless opportunities to post, drop, and discover through hands-on exploration.