The mystery shapes bag

Looking for a playful and engaging way to help your child explore the world through touch? The stereognostic shapes bag is a montessori-inspired activity designed to strengthen your child’s ability to recognise shapes without using their eyes – a wonderful way to encourage independence, focus and curiosity.

What you’ll need:

• A small drawstring bag
• A selection of matching shape pairs (e.g. Wooden blocks, pebbles, household objects – just make sure each shape has a match)
• A small rug or table surface
• Optional: a blindfold for older children or to extend the activity

Let’s get started:

• Begin by showing the child the shapes and pairing them together. For younger children, just use a few pairs.
• Place one of each pair inside the bag and the matching pieces on the rug.
• Invite the child to reach into the bag, feel one shape, and try to match it with one on the rug – but no peeking!
• They can talk about what they feel: “does it have corners?” or “is it smooth?” this helps narrow down the options.

Once they think they’ve found a match, they can pull the piece out to check. If it’s a match, it stays on the rug. If not, it goes back in the bag and they try again.

Keep going until all shapes are matched or until your child is ready to move on.

Why this activity matters:

This is more than just a game – it’s a chance to:

• Strengthen tactile perception (using the sense of touch to understand shape and size)
• Develop problem-solving, concentration and memory
• Build fine motor skills and coordination
• Encourage descriptive language and critical thinking
• Boost confidence through independent discovery

Fun extensions:

• Shape hunt: ask your child to find real-life objects that match the shapes.
• Blindfold challenge: one child wears a blindfold and receives two shapes – do they match? If not, why?
• Mystery sort: mix all the shapes and use only touch to find each pair again.

No wooden shapes? No problem!

Use what you have around the house – matching pairs of:

• Bottle caps, spoons, buttons, pebbles, or small toys
• Fabric swatches cut into different shapes or textures
• Everyday items that are safe to handle and easy to feel