Transferring & sorting beans using tweezers
The child sorts beans/grains by transferring six types of seeds/grains from a small tray to six identical cups using the tweezers.
Aim
Provide the child with experience of sorting using tweezers
Objectives
- Develop eye-hand co-ordination
- Develop fine motor control
- Build their muscles for pencil grip
- Develop concentration
- Develop independence
- Satisfy the need for order
Age
3+
Materials
- Small tray
- Beans for transferring and sorting
- 6 small identical bowls
- Tweezers
- Plain tray
Control of error
Spillage — visual, and audible if heavy objects are used
Language
Appropriate terms: sunflower, golden millet, etc.
Presentation
Invite the child to come and work with you, show him the tray you will be working with and give him the name of the materials.
Show the child how to use the tweezers. Pick up the tweezers and place the top of them at the palm of the hand, holding the two flexible ends in between the thumb and the index finger. Press the two fingers together, bringing the two ends together until they touch at the tip, then release.
Choose a bean and move it across the tray, loosening your hold to release the seed into one bowl. Repeat this, putting the various seed types in different cups, until all the seeds have been transferred and sorted. Pour back all the seeds/grains into the small tray.
Further challenges
- Use a compartmentalized tray such as a painter’s palette.
- Change the objects to be sorted.
- Sort by various criteria, eg, shape, sizes, color.
Tips
Before inviting the child, check the material you will be showing to see if all of the beans are in the large bowl.
