Age: 2.5 years old
Activity Duration: 5 minutes
Objectives:
1. To train fine motor skills.
2. To teach the concept of buckling in a logical and targeted way.
Materials:
1. 1 old belt with plastic buckle
2. Something to buckled on such as a pillow or cushion.
Directions:
1. Show your child how to undo the buckle and buckle it around the cushion.
2. Encourage your child to try.
Warning:
Supervise closely as the long belt can be dangerous.
Additional Information:
Last night, Daddy FECS and I were cleaning out our shelf and we wanted to throw away this old belt, but it was screaming out "Montessori, use me! Use me!" I thought before we throw it away, I will turn it into a Montessori activity teaching buckling. I am excited to try this activity with J!
Updates 5.9.2011 (2Y6M0D):
J tried this today. He was very impatient as usual and couldn't wait for me to demonstrate it. I had to show him in between his trials. He was very persistent and really enjoyed it. He buckled and unbuckled the belt until he was a pro at it. Once he became good at it, the novelty was gone, and thus we are finished with this Montessori activity. He now knows how to buckle and buckle a belt with no problem.
