How to make a scoop and transfer set up for your toddler.
Obviously, it’s the cutest toddler activity I’ve ever seen. Something about the small scoops and small holes… In related news, I clearly don’t get out much.
I came up with this toddler activity as a teeny tiny nod to one of my favorite activities, scooping station. The set up was a snap with a high “return of investment” (meaning my toddler played for a lot longer than it took me to put this together).
“Return of Investment” is crucial to me with activities. If I spend even 5 minutes prepping something for my kids, then I better get those 5 minutes back and then some. These are part of my activity commandments / by-laws.
Setting up scoop and transfer is quick and easy.
As I started out saying, the set up for scoop and transfer was simple: I put three sets of beans out for my toddler with some small spoons and paired it all with my beloved ice cube tray. I set it in this wooden tray a little for show (what? It looks pretty!) but really to catch any errant beans. In later doings of this project, I’ve started using an under the bed storage tub to keep things really contained.
Materials:
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My toddler, Sam, played Scoop and Transfer to his heart’s content. He really enjoys this activity and can do it independently (he has graduated from the “will stick anything and everything in my mouth” phase – Hallelujah – of course, I still supervise him while he plays). Sometimes we use the ice cube trays, sometimes cup cake tins.
The first time we did this project it was like pulling teeth to get Sam (then 25 months old) to use the scoops and not just dump the bowls of beans right into the tray – after about 5 minutes, I gave up and let him dump to his heart’s content. Yes, all the beans mixed together and it is what it is. They now live as a happy family in a giant Ziploc bag.
In subsequent playings of Scoop and Transfer, Sam hasn’t wanted to dump them – progress! I think he sees the “game” of the transfer and the fun of slowly moving the items over which is good because he will play this for a while. “A While” in This Mom’s definition of Toddler Standard Time is anything more than 10 minutes in length.
Grab yourself some beans at the store. We use beans a lot, they last forever, and are an easy go-to project supply to just have on hand. Trust me, this toddler activity is a total winner and one that you will want to try.
Would your toddler like this scoop and transfer activity?
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Kelly says
Love this! Quick question….how many under the bed tubs do you utilize for sensory bins? Do you have one or two and just keep switching them out or is your rice sensory bin always set up for that and you just store it somewhere when not in use?
Patricia Toney says
A good substitute would be cheerios, puffs and goldfish maybe. I would never use the above items. I really like the idea, however.
Sharon says
Seems like a fun activity but would require good supervision so the toddler doesn’t stick any thing in their mouth, nose or ears. You know how kids are!
Elicia says
Be careful! Raw Lima beans and red kidney beans are poisonous if ingested by dogs or small children. We found out the hard way… Thankfully it was the dog who ingested and not my Toddler.
Ali Gilbert says
This is simple but brilliant. I love the ice cube tray idea. Thank you so much for sharing!
Erica says
I love this fine motor activity! Super cute!
Katie Parker says
Great activity! My little ones are now four and while they still enjoy sensory materials (water, snow, dried legumes), scooping and pouring is somehow less magical than it once was… *sigh* I miss those days.
P.S. I’m new to the “blogging thing” and am exploring “link parties”. I love your writing style and look forward to reading more!