Quick Insight:
Mumma and Daddy, I’m naturally curious about small things, like tiny bugs or everyday items like zipper pulls and bits of lint. This curiosity is a normal part of my growth. According to Montessori early learning, there’s a special time between ages 1 and 3 when I’m really interested in small objects. This helps me improve my thinking skills and fine motor skills.
Safe Play Ideas with Small Objects
Grab Bag
Use a soft felt bag or box with small interesting items inside. Let me reach in and discover these treasures. This helps me practice using my fingers and improves my fine motor skills.
Push Play
Take an empty oatmeal canister and make holes in the lid. Give me small spoons or similar items to put through these holes. This helps me practice hand-eye coordination, like putting coins in a piggy bank or puzzle coin box.
Toy Rescue
Stick small toys onto a baking sheet or piece of cardboard with painter's tape. Let me try to peel off the toys. This game helps me strengthen the tiny muscles in my fingers and is fun too!
Treasure Box
Use an empty wipes container as a treasure chest. I can open it, take out tiny toys, and put them back in. This helps me practice grabbing and letting go of things.
Felt Pockets
Make simple felt pockets for me to fill with small items. This activity helps me learn how to play with small things and practice precision in a colorful way.
Small Item Scoop
Combine small objects with scooping fun using a muffin tin and O-shaped cereal. This helps me with fine motor skills and understanding space.
Pincer Puzzle Hide-and-Seek
Hide a piece of cereal under a puzzle piece and let me find it. This game helps me use my pincer grasp and solve puzzles.
Key Ring Fun
Give me jingle keys or safe key rings to play with. I can enjoy the sounds they make and practice using my hands, which also helps with my speech and language development.
Maintaining Safety and Encouragement
While I play, it’s very important for you to keep an eye on me to make sure I stay safe. These activities are meant to keep me interested while helping me grow my thinking and motor skills. By supporting my curiosity and giving me safe ways to explore, you’re helping me build a love for learning.