Montessori Activity: Transferring with Children's Chopsticks

J's friend, Amy (2 years 11 months) transferring beans and stones with chopsticks in Xiamen, China

Age: From 2.5 years old

Activity Duration: 5-15 minutes

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Objective(s): To train the child’s fine motor skills.

Materials:

1. 2 containers
2. Approx. 10 pom poms
3. 1 pair of chopsticks
4. 1 Tray

Tips:

For older and more advanced kids, try using beans and stones instead to make it more challenging.

Directions:

1. Demonstrate it to your child by transferring the stone slowly one at a time with the chopsticks
2. Encourage and let your child try it.

Special Warning:

1. Supervise closely with pom poms and don’t start with a toddler who is still mouthing. Remove and store away immediately after activity.

Cost:

European Chopsticks 10 DKK (2.40 SGD)  for 2 pairs from Tiger.

Additional Information:

I was very excited when I found these chopsticks from Tiger. Although it is more suited to be described as "cheat"-sticks, as it is chopsticks made easy for Europeans, which is a cross between a pair of chopsticks and a tong. But because of that, it makes it easier for young children to use, and at the same time, it adds an element of heritage education to Montessori activity. I can't wait to let J try it this weekend!