In Image: Sensory Table from Curious Cub
1. Sink and Float
- Set up a tray with materials of different buoyancy and ask to dump in water to check if it floats or sinks.
- They will observe that some float and some sink.
- Even if they don’t say anything yet, they are absorbing it all.
- The Sensory table used is from Curious Cub. It helps contain the mess and makes the presentation of DIY activities more inviting for the toddler.
In Image: Learning Tower from Curious Cub
2. Silverware Sorting
Sorting is a skill that is built on through the years. At this age, you can begin exposure by offering your child silverware in a stand. Place 3 forks on one side and a 3 spoon on the other - to ‘label’ the groups. Model putting all the spoons in the side with the spoon and say ‘spoon’ as you pick each one up. It’s a great set up when you are busy in the kitchen and need your toddler to be constructively busy. You can use a Learning tower to make the kitchen counter more accessible.
3. Spaghetti posting
Place a colander upside down on a tray along with some uncooked spaghetti on its side for your child to post the spaghetti in each hole. This simple activity develops fine motor skills and hand eye coordination .
4. Food prep
- Washing, peeling, cutting, chopping help develop fine motor skills and hand eye coordination.
- It also makes them curious as they watch the changes in states of matter, consistency and color.
- It helps build a positive relationship with food.
- Adding a learning tower to your kitchen where your child can safely stand helps them reach the counter easily.
5. Animal rescue
- Add small animal figurines to your ice tray, fill with water and freeze. Once frozen, present them to your child to rescue the animals.
- Give hammer to rescue animals
- Or it can also be a fun bath time activity. As the ice cubes are dropped in the warm bath water, your child can rescue the animals from the melting cubes.