It never is too early to start working on fine motor skills with your child. These skills are what allows us to take care of ourselves daily like, getting dressed, brushing our teeth, or simply eating with a spoon or a fork. Helping our children develop these skills allows them to become more independent, which is a toddler’s (and parent’s) dream!
This straw activity is a great way to keep your toddler busy when you need to get things done around the house! Like for example, when you’re finally folding the laundry that is piling up on your couch… I know I can’t be the only one!
This is super simple to prepare for your child, and bonus it requires minimal supplies!
MATERIALS NEEDED FOR THIS ACTIVITY INCLUDES:
Empty grated cheese container
Straws
Scissors
Start by peeling the label off the empty grated cheese container.
Wash throughly with soap and warm water. Be sure to remove the residue around the outside of the container.
If soap and warm water do not get the sticky residue off the container, try using nail polish remover or white vinegar!
Next, cut the straws in half. This allows them to fit inside the container better.
There is not a certain amount of straws you need to prepare. You can always cut down more if you find that you need them!
I recommend buying different colored straws as this allows you to work on colors with your child too.
That’s all there is to it!
Store the straws in the bottle until your child is ready for the activity.
HOW TO DO THE ACTIVITY …
When introducing this to your child, encourage them to put just one straw into the larger opening. Once they are able to put one straw in, without difficulty, give them another straw immediately afterwards. Continue this until they can easily put them all in.
Keep in mind… if your child becomes frustrated and cannot put one straw in this way don’t be disappointed! It took my son a handful of times until he was able to do the motion himself.
Start slowly to set your child up for success!
After your child can confidently put multiple straws into the large opening, introduce the smaller opening, with the three smaller holes.
The end goal is to have your child be able to independently pick up one straw at a time and place it into the container.
It’s important to note that young children should have adult supervision when doing this activity.
Tip: You can work on numbers with your child by counting each straw as they put them in the container. If you would like to work on colors, name off the color of each straw as they put them in.
Let me know what you think and if you give this a try!