Practical Life Skills – Whisking

What toddler doesn’t love bubbles?  Setting up a whisking work is a fun way for your child to gain practical life skills while having fun!

To prepare this work, I chose a plastic tray with high sides to prevent spills.  I filled an old bottle that had a screw on lid with about 3 oz of water, and put a bottle of handsoap beside it.  I added a child-size whisk that I found in the toy section of Ikea, and added an empty bucket.
Whisking
This is a multi-step work.  It only works correctly if you do each step in the correct order, which is tough for young children.  This requires higher level thinking, and builds concentration and focus.  When L carried the whisking work slowly to the table, I showed her each step.  I first twisted the cap on the bottle filled with water, then poured the water into the bucket.

 

Whisking

 

I pumped two pumps of handsoap into the bucket, then took the whisk and began whisking.  I showed L the bubbles that resulted.  She was enthralled.  L loves doing this work, and she has become pretty good at doing all of the steps in the right order.  She is also gaining hand strength as she twists the cap on the bottle, pumps the soap, and whisks to produce bubbles.  The bubbles allow for a sensory experience, as well.  This is one of L’s favorite works!

 

Whisking

5 thoughts on “Practical Life Skills – Whisking

  1. Great idea! My 14 months old loves bubbles, water and whisking, but I have to continuously hold the bottle or he would spill it or take the cup and throw it away. Any advice on how to work on it so he understands it needs to stay on the table? We started Montessori a bit late so he’s never been on weaning table and understand that plates needs to stay on the table. Love your blog!

    1. He’s still pretty young — it’s perfectly normal for him to be trying to walk around with his work. When my 13-month-old does that, I just guide her back to the table and say “at the table.” Over and over and over again! If she just won’t stay there with it, I take the work away. It also helps if you have a chair for your child to sit in that can reach the table but also allows his feet to reach the floor.

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