Tape-in-the-Box Goals: to follow directions; to build vocabulary and practice simple sentence structures Gather together the materials needed: audiotape, shoebox, and twelve to fifteen small items that are related in some way--for example, things to clean with, things to eat with, foods, and pictures or toys of farm animals. (Objects are better, but pictures on 3" x 5" cards will do if you can't get all the objects in a category.)   Tape-record simple directions and questions about the objects on the audiotape beforehand. Students can listen to the tape for each box and follow the directions independently. On the bottom of each item, write a number that will correspond with the number in the taped directions.   For example a taped direction may be: "Pick up number 3. What is it? What can you do with it?"   Label each box clearly on the top and on the end, so if they are stacked, students will know the contents. A picture might help on the label.   You can photocopy the directions and have it in an envelope inside the box for reading reinforcement.   Invite students to make audiotapes of their own for the boxes of items.