transfer beans with strainer

We did another very simple practical life activity involving transferring this week.

I gave John a strainer and two stainless bowls, one with water and kidney beans.  His job was to strain the beans into the empty bowl.  I asked him to bring the tray to his small table in the kitchen, for an added balancing task, but he wanted to keep it at the kitchen counter and stand on his stool, and he had no argument from me.

Children can learn coordination and concentration through these simple practical life activities that can use tools you already have in the kitchen.  Creating these experiences and encouraging children to cook with you helps to create their independence in the world.

John loved using the strainer and was concentrating very hard.  He was excited to use the strainer, since he hadn’t seen it before I presented it to him for this activity.  I stood by him the whole time, but when he asked for help with the last of the beans, I didn’t help him.  He decided to pour the last of them in, which was pretty clever, and I know those last few were difficult because of the little metal “v” on the strainer.

This activity could be done with buttons or rice or any other small object you can think of.  He also helped with the clean up on his tray and the beans and water that fell from the transferring.  It is important for him to clean up by himself — which sometimes he is motivated, but sometimes he is not — care for his environment.