Show the child how to build a tower. The first set of knobless cylinders should be used alone for this exercise. The teacher should spread the cylinders out on the mat, then carefully and deliberately select the largest cylinder for the base of the tower. Peruse the remaining cylinders carefully and then select the next largest, which should be placed concentrically on top of the first. This continues without verbal explanation until the child joins in or the tower is completed.
Demonstrate deconstruction of the tower. The tower should never be knocked over as this is disruptive and can cause pieces to get lost. Once the tower is completed, disassemble it as methodically as it was built. If necessary, challenge the child to make as little noise as possible when they are pulling the tower down.
Grade the cylinders on the mat. The cylinders should still be spread out randomly and you will select the largest cylinder. Place it on the left. Next, line up the next largest, making a show of care and consideration before picking the next largest. Continue until the child joins in or the line is completed.
Work through all four sets. Some children will want to use all four sets right away, while others may want or need additional lessons. You can let the student make this decision, as the tower is self-correcting because it will topple if constructed in the wrong order. Monitor the grading process, but do not step in unless the errors are consistent and egregious. Generally, the more a child works with the knobless cylinders the fewer mistakes she will make.
Allow the child to work with two or more sets at a time. This encourages additional sorting and comparison drawing as well as making the building process more difficult. As before, monitor progress discreetly but do not overwhelm the student with corrections.