t is advisable to begin play with the straight line sticks before introducing the curved lines of the rings. This Gift signifies a move from the surface to the line. Gift 7 shapes allowed the child to represent objects in two-dimensional form. Gift 8 represents the edges or outlines of these objects. This continues the cycle of abstraction - from solid to surface to line, etc. For the child, the shift from concrete to abstract comprehension should not happen abruptly, but build gradually from previous Gift play.