Why Arrangement Truth Test works

Use four to establish the first rule of the activity. Give the child one chance to act on it before everyone is introduced as a new condition.

Set up — Arrange three or four familiar objects where everyone can see them

No special materials are needed before the child is asked to arrange three or four familiar objects where everyone can see them. Use the result of having the child arrange three or four familiar objects where everyone can see them as the setup for the move into say one position statement such as “the spoon is left of the cup.”. Use age-appropriate pieces and avoid small loose parts for children who may mouth objects while that starting condition is being established.

Step 2 — Say one position statement such as “the spoon is left of the…

Give the child time to say one position statement such as “the spoon is left of the cup.” and notice the result. The following instruction to decide whether the statement is true or false should use what they learned after previously trying to arrange three or four familiar objects where everyone can see them.

Step 3 — Decide whether the statement is true or false

Allow room for a mistake while the child tries to decide whether the statement is true or false. A self-correction here is more useful than fast repetition before the child moves on to if it is false, change the words so the statement becomes accurate.

Step 4 — If it is false, change the words so the statement becomes accurate

After the child tries to if it is false, change the words so the statement becomes accurate, ask one brief question about the result. Connect their answer to the next request to create a new statement using a different relationship such as above, between or nearest rather than explaining it for them.

Step 5 — Create a new statement using a different relationship such as above, between…

Have the child create a new statement using a different relationship such as above, between or nearest before offering a solution. What happens here should help them understand how to create a new statement using a different relationship such as above, between or nearest, especially compared with the earlier request to if it is false, change the words so the statement becomes accurate.

What to notice before Create a new statement using a different relationship…

Keep adult commentary light while the child works toward if it is false, change the words so the statement becomes accurate. Their own response should show which clue, position, or relationship supports the answer before the activity finishes with the request to create a new statement using a different relationship such as above, between or nearest.

Make Decide whether the statement is true or… easier or harder

For younger or less confident players, use fewer items and make the relevant difference more obvious before the step to decide whether the statement is true or false. If the child asks for more, add one plausible distractor, remove one cue, or ask the child to explain the rule and then return to the final request to create a new statement using a different relationship such as above, between or nearest.

Finish after Create a new statement using a different relationship…

Create a new statement using a different relationship such as above, between or nearest. A brief look back at the result is enough before ending the session. Browse the activity search for a different mechanic, or use the activity generator.