Froebel divided Gift play into three categories: Forms of Knowledge (math/science), Forms of Life (relating to objects found in a child's life/world) and Forms of Beauty (abstract patterns and designs). Suggestions for these may be used as appropriate for the child. The enclosed grid can be used when appropriate but it is not always necessary. Design forms and forms of knowledge are only meaningful if a child can discover them. They should not be taught didactically.
Children explore the world through play. A young child should always begin play with a Gift using Forms of Life. Children always enjoy building things from their own world and representing whatever is familiar is a wonderful experience for young children. The knowledge (one-to-one correspondence, arithmetic, etc.) can be drawn from what the child has made.
As with all the Gifts, it is important to remember not to give the child too many pieces at once, or allow the child to leave them scattered. Froebel believed that nothing in the world is ever destroyed - only modified. To keep with that idea, the child should keep changing a creation rather than starting over. The enclosed grid should be used when appropriate.
You may choose to first introduce the point along with the solid cube from Gift 2. Start with one or two pieces so that the child will focus on its properties. Have the child note the points on the corners of the cube. What are they? They are not shapes or lines.