Folding Cloth

Folding Clothes develop concentration and control of movement. This material contributes to the child's independence and teaches a skill of self-care and care for the environment.

In my student teaching classroom, we introduced this material around Thanksgiving. The skill of folding was practically applied to preparing for our Classroom Thanksgiving Feast.

My favorite point of interest are the contrasting lines that guide the folds. Note that the folding requires grasping the left and right corners of the square clothes and folding UP. The index finger traces along the contrasting line, illustrating the control of error.

Practical Life: Analysis of Movement: Folding

Opening and Closing Containers

Opening and closing containers is a joyful activity for young children. For the youngest primary child, the opening and closing of containers is a fine motor challenge. It is a joy to observe a child complete the task of open a set of small jars and bottles. For older children, this work might not be a physical challenge, but it tends to have a calming effect and certainly still provides the satifaction of completing a task.

Practical Life: Analysis of Movement: Open and Close Containers

Clothes Pins

Clothes pins are a fun way to build hand and finger strength which will aid in gripping a pencil or crayon later on. These clothes pins with ladybugs and flowers are available in the Kids Section at IKEA Stores.

Practical Life: Analysis of Movement: Clothespins

Grasping

Link to Photos for Grasping:

Practical Life: Analysis of Movement: Grasping

Transfering Water with a Sponge

Wet Pouring

Materials: two pitchers, water, sponge, tray

Fig. 1: Initial Set-up








Fig. 2: Use pincer grip on left hand, support pitcher with index finger of right hand. Transfer all water to right hand pitcher.







Fig. 3: Move pitchers above tray. Wipe tray from left to right, top to bottom. Replace pitchers.

Dry Pouring

Materials: Two or more identical containers; small material such as rice, beans, seeds; tray

Fig. 1: Initial set-up. Pouring material on left-hand side of tray encourages Left-to-right movement











Fig. 2: Emphasize pincer grip on left hand. Use right index finger to support weight of pitcher












Fig. 3: Observe that the first pitcher is empty.













Fig. 4: Repeat procedure to pour beans back to first pitcher












Fig. 5: Pick up any spilled beans using pincer grip of dominant hand.