"In this classroom, relationships are fostered, families are respected, and children are honored.
In this classroom, nature's gifts are valued and children's thoughts are captured.
In this classroom, learning is alive and aesthetic beauty is appreciated." -Unknown

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Fun Fine Motor Skill Practice: Mini Colanders and Chenille Stems


Looking for another way to have your little one practice their fine motor skills in a fun way. You don't need to sit them down to do writing. There are lots of activities you can do with everyday items. This is one of those. A friend brought these to our preschool class on Sunday mornings and I knew I just HAD to incorporate it into my own preschool class. 

I purchased 4 mini colanders at World Market, but they are available at a variety of locations. I then pulled out a pack of chenille stems, or as they were called when I was a kid, pipe cleaners. I cut them into thirds.


I put them out in a provocation to encourage the children to explore them.


The kids find a variety of ways to work with the chenille stems. Some push them in from the outside of the colander.



When lots of them are placed in the holes on the colander and the kiddos look inside, I hear them proclaim, "Look at all the worms!"


Some chose to push them through from the inside creating a different effect.


They even made them squiggly to find a totally new look.

This has truly been a hit with the kiddos. I love seeing the new ways they have come up with using the materials and the best part is, they are having fun and having great pre-writing skills practice.

7 comments:

  1. This is a fantastic idea and I need things to help my son's hands/fine motor.

    I'm going to pin it to my special needs board - thank you for sharing.

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    1. Glad you found it useful. The kiddos have really enjoyed working with the tools.

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  2. These are great. I have a little boy coming to my montessori with dyspraxia - these will be fantastic for him. Thank you for sharing - very much appreciated!

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    1. So glad you found it useful. It's been a hit with my kiddos!

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  3. Your display of the materials is beautiful and inviting, makes me want to play with it! Great job :)

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    1. Thanks, Clarissa. I think it's really important to display the materials in an inviting way to inspire the kiddos to check it out. Thanks for the feedback.

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