Ready for a new challenge 🙂

Once your child is ready for a new challenge try introducing ice-cube trays. This requires even greater precision.

Aim:

To transfer objects to individual compartments in an ice-cube tray, using a pincer grip. Then, return the objects to the bowl.

Why ice-cube trays?

The advantage of using ice cube trays, is it requires more accurate co-ordination and a well developed pincer grasp to remove the objects ( it is much trickier to get the pom-poms out of the trays than it was to put them in!)

Objects:

Experiment with different types of items. Pom poms are soft and squishy, making them easier to grasp. Beads are hard, which can make them more likely to drop!

Progression:

• medium sized pom-poms and a pasta tong
• small pom-poms and a tweezers
• beads and a tweezers

Look out for novelty ice-cube trays to make this activity more inviting. Check out the art and craft section of your local supermarket for other small and interesting objects to transfer.

Note: you might have noticed that I always use a tray from my Montessori materials. Trays offer a number of advantages:

• materials can be left on trays for future use
• materials that are dropped will generally stay on the tray. Your child will see how many they have dropped and try to drop less over time
• balance and co-ordination is improved by carrying objects on trays.

Have fun 🙂