Montessori Activity: Squeezing Sponge/Klemme Svamp/挤海绵 [jǐ hǎi mián]

Age: From 2.5 year old

Activity Duration: 5 minutes

Preparation Time: 5 - 15 minutes

Objective(s): To train fine motor skill development.

Materials:

1. 1 basin half-filled with water
2. 1 bath-sponge
3. 1 tray

Directions:

1. Pour the sponge into the basin of water and show your child how to squeeze the water out, saying, "this is how you squeeze a sponge".

2. Encourage your child to try.

Additional Information:

I made a post some time ago on squeezing sponge. I just realize that bath sponge is a great tool to use, much more squeezable than the other sponge, especially for more older children. J (3Y2M25D) tried this on 1.4.2011 and he liked it quite a lot. At this age, he didn't just squeeze it, but he used it to scrub his body and feet.

Montessori Activity: Toddler's Cleaning Kit

Inspired by Hapa Lab

Age: From 2 years old

Activity Duration: 5-10 minutes

Materials:

1. 1 container with a small rug or sponge

2. 1 small spray bottle filled with water

3. 1 tray
4. 1 kid's size table or chalkboard for wiping

Directions:

1. Show your child by spraying water on the tray.
2. Wipe it clean and dry with the rag.
3. Encourage your child to try.

Cost:

Mini-size spray: 10 DKK (2.40 SGD) I bought this min-size spray from the Chinese store Chao Chao at Lyngby train station, but you can also get it from Jysk Sengetøj, or simply re-use a spray bottle from the one you bought from the supermarket. Then it would not cost a thing.

Additional Information:

I think the cleaning kit can be a little bit to daunting for someone new to the lesson of cleaning. This is a much simpler kit, breaking down the lesson of cleaning into two parts - wiping and sweeping. In this lesson, the focus is only on wiping. Thus, you basically only need 3 things - rage, spray and water.

For younger toddlers from less than 2 years old, you can even simply it further with introducing just one thing - a wet rug.

4.7.2011 (2Y4M30D) - Joshua wiping the chalkboard