Montessori Activity: Inserting Pipe-Cleaners

Idea from Cherry Blossom Adventures

Age:  From 1.5 year old

Activity Duration: 5 - 10 minutes

Objective(s):

1. To train fine motor skills with regard to hand and eye coordination in a fun way.

Materials:

1. 10 pipe cleaners
2. 1 draining basket or salad spinner basket
3. 1 tray

Directions:

1. Demonstrate to your child how to insert the pipe cleaners. Talk about the colours, count the pipe cleaners, etc.

2. Encourage your child to try.

Additional Information:

I didn't have the time to plan more Montessori activities and ran out of activities this morning for J. Then I remembered this very creative idea thanks to Cherry Blossom Adventures for sharing and since I have the materials, I took it out for J (2Y7M11D). This really is an activity for younger toddlers about 1.5 year old, and is too easy for J. Nevertheless it was a saver as it was fun for him and I could occupy him for a few minutes on the potty while Daddy cut his hair.

References:

http://www.cherryblossomadventures.com/2011/08/08/tot-school-jungle-zoo-animals/

Updates with Baby FECS

9 July 2017 (1Y1M23D): Baby FECS tried this for the first time today. She couldn't insert the pipe-cleaners yet, but she did try. After 30 seconds, she lost interest.

Montessori Activity: Threading Bells

Inspired by An Amazing Child

Age: From 2 years old

Activity Duration: 10-15 minutes

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Objective(s):

1. To train the child’s fine motor skills.
2. To train the child's eye-hand coordination.

Materials:

1. 5-10 Bells
2. 1 pipe cleaner
3. 1 tray

Directions:

1. Show your child by tying a knot in the pipe cleaner

2. Show your child by picking up the pipe cleaner with one hand and begin threading it through the eyelet of each bell.

3. Go about halfway and encourage your child to complete it.

4. Remove the bells and repeat the activity if your child is interested.

Total Cost:

Pipe cleaners: 20 DKK (4.80 SGD) from the hobby set in Tiger

Additional Information:

J (2Y4M28D) tried this activity for the first time today. He was a little frustrated initially and was able to give up. I then left the room to fetch the camera. By the time I returned, he had managed to thread the bell. It was good without me around to interfere with his work :-) With initial success, he got more motivated.  He went on to complete threading all 10 bells. J enjoyed this activity rather well, and I intend to repeat it in 2 weeks' time.

References:
http://www.anamazingchild.com/kates%20blog/files/74b276ee28b49671d735ed3e3d682fab-23.php