Description and Learning Objectives
This activity provides children with the opportunity to use their developing hand-eye coordination, concentration and cognitive skills. These skills benefit the children as they become more independent and develop their sense of self and capabilities. The learning objectives for this activity are fine motor development, problem solving, cause and effect, as well as receptive and expressive language.
Materials
Various sized containers (boxes, jars, bags and pouches) with lids, buttons, zippers or twist caps
Observations and Findings
Even by simply lifting the lid or pulling on the zipper, children are able to develop their fine motor skills as they explore the various types of objects. They discover ways in which they can manipulate the item with their hands to open it.
Children discover that not every object opens the same way, which leads them to problem solve. They are also presented with the idea of cause and effect. Through trial and error as well as repetition, children discover that different actions result in different outcomes.
Through this activity, children are also able to develop their receptive and expressive language skills. It allows children to not only name objects but also be responsive to verbal requests such as “open”, “pull”, or “turn”.
