Practical Life: Pouring (for Toddlers)

Ages: 18 to 24 months

Materials: work mat, tray, 2 identical containers, objects to pour

Presentation:

1. Prepare the work and get out the mat.
2. With the work facing the child and the mat between you, make sure the container with the objects is on the child’s left-hand side.
3. Demonstrate two-hand pouring with one hand on the top and the other on the bottom of the container. Emphasize that we pour with two hands.
4. Pour the objects into the container on the right. After setting down the container, pour the objects back into the original container completing the cycle.
5. Now, invite the child to pour the objects. Help only if the child doesn’t seem to know what to do.
6. When he or she finishes, have them return the work to the shelf.

Extension(s):

For a greater challenge vary the size of the containers (use some with handles and a spout) and the materials being poured.

This week I introduced pouring with 3 graduated containers.