If there is something that would hold my toddler’s attention for a max of five minutes, that would be transferring, spooning or pouring lentils/water.
That is the specialty of Montessori; she exactly nailed what the child would be naturally interested in. And for a toddler, it’s the best place to start to learn practical life skills.
Come on, who doesn’t like their toddler to pour themselves a glass of water while you put food on their plate. Well, I know that’s too much to expect from a toddler. But I have been surprised many a times by his ability. Thus, I would keep hoping for it 🙂
There is always a sequence to this practical life skills, you start with dry pouring, cleaning up spills, wet pouring and then spraying water to clean window sills and then on to pour water to scrub the table.
Yup, so let’s start with dry pouring.
Coffee seeds, dried beans, lentils, seashell or marbles are good to start. Ahh, toddlers love the sound when the grain hits metal. But, I am not a big fan of those sounds.
Anyways, if they spill over show them how to pick them up (if they don’t on their own) and put them back on the pitcher. Yup, we are talking about problem solving skills and pincer grip skills here.
How would your child benefit?
Your child develops mind-hand coordination, concentration, also order and independence.
How do you do it?
Provide two identical jars or containers which your child could easily hold.
Show them how to transfer from one container to another.
And don’t forget to show them how to clean the spills.
How to extend this activity?
Move onto wet pouring.
The first ever activity I tried was after seeing this post. My kid really liked it.
These are practically great activities for kids. Though mine is 10+ yrs, I would share this with my friends.
Great activities. Simple yet enough to keep a child happily engaged.
My elder son was good with pouring, yet he still struggles with hand-to-mind coordination at times. But my younger son is a pro at dry pouring already, he loves his pouring time and wants it extended most days.
Love this practical activity! So great to teach kids and fun too. Thank you for sharing!
Such a great resource of well thought out activities. I will be sure to save this for when Baby Hashtag grows up.
My son used to enjoy this activity so much. I used to give him Chole when I got them from the supermarket and my boy used to fill the box while doing the activity. Slowly he mastered filling the box without spilling beans.
My son loves to do wet pouring while bathing when I hand him 2 similar containers, it keeps him busy for 15-20 mins. This dry pouring activity looks superb to start with, I am sure he will love it. Thanks for sharing this!
Soon my baby is going to turn one will definitely start with the dry pouring these days he has started keeping his toys in the basket and try to put one toy into another… Is this also comes under pouring activity?? Looking forward for more Montessori related activity
Informative post soon my boy is going to turn 1 will definitely start with dry pouring activity.. nowadays he start keeping back his toys in basket and try to put one block in another is this also come under pouring activity.. Looking forward for more Montessori activity
Those are some easy peasy activity ideas with stuff that we usually have at home! Thanks for sharing
There are many options to keep toddlers engaged. This is a great activity to not only engage them but also teach them too.
Very interesting. I tried this with Raajma beans a few weeks ago and my toddler just emptied the whole bowl on the floor, LOL. So now we’re practcing putting her (large) building blocks back in the tub and that seems to be interesting enough for her.
Love this activity of yours . Once my daughter stops putting everything into her mouth , I will def try this one with her 🙂
So the first home based activity I did for babyT was actually transferring beans from one tin to another and he loved it so so much that now whenever I ask him what activity do you want to do.. he says beans. 🙂 But I get it now. This is essentially life skills and something very core to the child and his development. Its also tons of fun and noise and action. Thanks for this Melani. I think I should now move on to the wet pouring and mopping up (much needed) part. 🙂
This is awesome my daughter loves to do this and at school
one of the first few activities K and I began with and still enjoy! loved the post and your blog is just so perfect for montessori ideas!
Excellent activities which help in improving the motor skills of the children.