Montessori Elementary Homeschool Blog - with documentation of our infant Montessori, toddler Montessori, and primary Montessori experiences; as well as preparation for the upcoming adolescent Montessori homeschool years.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Infants, Toddlers and Toothpicks


I have mentioned this activity a few times - about an older infant or toddler sitting at their little table with a set of toothpicks and a jar of varying kinds.

Not everyone has baby food jars - some of us make/made our own ;) So an alternative?

NOT this (awesome spice jar from IKEA - lots of uses - this one ain't it)

Toothpicks go in, but don't all come out.
FRUSTRATING.
Does not encourage independence or skills. 



Ball jam jar
these glass jars come in a variety of sizes, including very short!
Get the wide mouth ones. You'll use them for everything!
Get the types that one-size lid fits all you get.
The child can even insert his hand to
remove the toothpicks without dumping. ;) 


2 comments:

  1. How did you present this? I'm totally new to all of this. Is it as simple as just sitting down and explaining and showing what to do, and then just let the baby (11 months) try? I don't have a little table or seat for her yet. Do I find a mat and just do it on the floor?

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    Replies
    1. Ruth,

      I am not sure most 11 months old will listen to explanations ;) Even at the primary level (ages 3-6) we use VERY few words. I just show how to do the work, one step at a time, to encourage focus on a particular aspect.

      Nothing fancy :)

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