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. Suggestions for these may be used as appropriate for the child.
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. 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.