Caper Day

Today during capers, we brought in our blocks from outside to our sensory table with turkey baster, scoops and funnels.  We put reddish pink soapy water in the bin, and watched the magic happen!

In the small sensory tub, we had ramps and scoopers for the same experience as the big table, only in a smaller scale.  To make sure everyone could reach in the bin, and that there were enough materials for all to explore.

The schema of scooping and pouring.

From the OT Toolbox....

https://www.theottoolbox.com/scooping-pouring-transferring-develop-refine-fine-motor-skills/

DEVELOP AND REFINE FINE MOTOR SKILLS BY POURING, SCOOPING, AND TRANSFERRING

Scooping and pouring.  Toddlers pour, and dump toys (or cereal, a cup of water, a bin of diapers…) as soon as they discover that they can. It’s a developmentally appropriate skill that happens as mobility develops.  When little ones pick up a bowl or cup and turn out the contents on the floor, it may be frustrating to a mama that’s just picked up all of the toys in the house for the third time, but it is such a great function that is the occupation of play.  Pouring and dumping is discovery and exploration of gravity, weight, muscle control, cause and effect, and self-awareness. Not only are toddlers discover what they can do by pouring , they are learning about their environment while working on so many skills. 

The items we choose to incorporate into our sensory bins, are thoughtful and intentional.  The turkey basters work on hand strength.  The funnels work on scooping.  The ramps work on hand eye coordination..... We know that we have a TON of fun here in the Acorn Room, but we are working on skills that will last us a lifetime. 

"I am the little acorn that becomes the oak."- John Winger