Children can be lured away from the television if the kitchen has been prepared for them to use. They love to help!
Toddlers up to age three can wash fruits and vegetables under supervision. They can tear lettuce and greens and mash foods that are soft with a potato masher. Avocados and cooked potatoes are a couple of possibilities. Believe it or not, even at this age they can pour if they are pouring from a small pitcher with supervision. They can practice pouring things like dried beans from one pitcher to another, which is an activity in the Practical Life area of a Montessori classroom.
Young children can spread soft foods on crackers or bread which helps to build hand/eye coordination. They love to stir and mix and even crack eggs if shown how.
Show children by demonstrating and breaking down the movements and then let them have a “turn” trying it too. Perfecting their movements will come after they have opportunities to imitate the process.
Cleaning up after, which adults see as a chore, is an exciting opportunity for a child involving water and soap. If some spill it is an opportunity for using a mop. Putting safety first and supervising, letting children spill on occasion should not be viewed as a mistake but an opportunity to use another tool and develop gross motor skills. Equipping your kitchen with child size sponges, a small dustpan and hand broom, and mops and rags is all that is necessary. They want to do it themselves. Dr. Montessori writes, “Cultivate a friendly feeling towards error.”
Cooperating in the preparation and clean-up of the family meal develop a sense of belonging as well as family quality time and precious memories.
Christina Miller, Owner/Head of School
Millhopper Montessori School
Serving Gainesville families since 1977
www.millhopper.com
Call to schedule a tour: (352) 375-6773