Recommended Age: 2 and ½ to 3 and ½ years
Level of Parent Involvement: Medium, to set up and present the activity then low once the child has been shown they may practice independently
Prerequisites
- The child must be able to carry a tray with objects
Materials
- 2 identical jugs (small/child sized) with a wide pouring lip (1 jug approximately 2 thirds filled with grains)
- Tray
Preparation
- Place the two jugs on the tray, put the grains in the jug on the right (two thirds full)
Steps
- Invite the child to the activity, model how to carry the tray and invite the child to carry the tray to the table
- Tell the child “Today we are going to practice pouring grains”
- Sit to the right of the child
- Place your right index and middle finger through the right jugs handle and your thumb on top of the handle
- Place your left 4 fingers under the lip of the right jug to guide the jug
- Lift the jug from the tray, centring the spout to the centre of the left jug
- Tilt the jug so that the grains pour into the left jug waiting for the very last grain to fall
- Gently place the jug back down on the tray
- Repeat as above with the left jug, pouring the grains from the left jug back into the right
- Repeat a few times pouring back and fourth
- Invite the child to have a turn
- When they are finished remind her where to return the activity to its place
- Encourage the child to repeat this activity
Variations
- Pouring the grains from a height
Notes:
- Show the child what to do if they spill some of the grains by removing the jugs from the tray and picking up the grains with your fingers using pincer grip
- If there is a spill on the floor, show the child how to use a small dust pan and brush to sweep up the grains
