You can actually make a lot of Montessori-inspired activities for your child using objects that you probably already have in your home — or that you can buy at a dollar store! One work that has always been a favorite in the classroom is the clothespins work. I first put it out when L was just one and a half, and she just became frustrated and wasn’t interested. So I put it back in the closet and brought it back out after she turned two. The first day it was out, L kept trying and trying. By day two, she was able to do it!
To set this up, I simply took a small bin and filled it with clothespins. I showed L how to pinch the clothespin so it opens and then clip it onto the side of the bin. If your child is having a hard time pinching it, you can show her how to do it with two hands. This develops the pincer grip [which helps with holding a pencil for writing] and builds hand strength and hand-eye coordination.
L loves this work and will repeat it over and over again. She now likes to count the clothespins as she clips them on — a fun little math extension!
Just want you to know how terrific your blog and activities are. Many thanks!
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoy it! 🙂
You are welcome!
I like it and so simple. I have to try this, my son is about 23 months. Maybe he’ll take to it.
Great, my two year old class just did a similar activity called Apple Picking using the pins to pick up Pom-poms/apples. Their Eye and Hand Coordination Skill was great and they had interest in the activity.