The Floating Island Bean Drop

The Floating Island Bean Drop

Steps:

  • Fill the aluminium foil pan halfway with cool water to create your ‘ocean.’
  • Place the sponge gently into the water so it floats like a tiny island.
  • Put a handful of dry beans into a small bowl next to the pan.
  • Show your toddler how to pick up one bean using their thumb and pointer finger.
  • Encourage your child to carefully set the bean onto the center of the floating sponge.
  • Watch as the sponge bobs and tilts with each new bean added!
  • Challenge them to see how many beans the island can hold before it gets too heavy.
  • When finished, they can use their fingers to scoop the beans off the sponge.

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: Beans are small and pose a risk. Always supervise your toddler closely and store materials safely after play.

The Aluminium Pan Sifter Shake

The Aluminium Pan Sifter Shake

Steps:

  • Place the Aluminium Foil Pan upside down on a table.
  • Use a pencil to poke ten holes through the bottom of the pan.
  • Flip the pan over and set it on top of a large bowl.
  • Pour a cup of dry rice and a handful of beads into the pan.
  • Hold the edges of the pan with both hands.
  • Shake the pan side to side to sift the rice into the bowl.
  • Use your pinching fingers to pick up the remaining beads!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise children during this activity. The pencil has a sharp point, and the rice and beads are small objects that can be a choking hazard.

Floating Egg Carton Marble Scoop

Floating Egg Carton Marble Scoop

Steps:

  • Fill a large bowl halfway with water.
  • Place an empty egg carton inside the bowl so it floats.
  • Put a small pile of marbles on the table next to the bowl.
  • Have your child scoop a single marble using a spoon.
  • They must carry it and drop it into a specific egg cup.
  • Challenge them to fill all the cups without sinking the boat.
  • Try using the other hand to make it harder.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Marbles are a major choking hazard. Keep these materials away from children under 3 years old.

The Vertical Sponge Trail

The Vertical Sponge Trail

Steps:

  • Secure a long piece of butcher paper vertically to a wall at your child’s shoulder height using masking tape.
  • Use a marker to draw a simple, winding path across the paper.
  • Place a bowl of water on a nearby table or the floor.
  • Ask your child to soak the sponge and squeeze it until it is damp.
  • Challenge them to trace the path by squeezing the sponge along the marker line to leave a wet trail.
  • Encourage them to keep their arm high as they follow the winding road.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is recommended. Ensure that the floor beneath the paper is kept dry to prevent slips or falls.

Floating Sponge Button Stack

Floating Sponge Button Stack

Steps:

  • Fill the aluminium foil pan halfway with water.
  • Place the sponge gently on top of the water so it floats.
  • Put a small bowl of buttons next to the pan.
  • Ask your child to pick up one button using their thumb and pointer finger.
  • Challenge them to place the button carefully onto the center of the floating sponge.
  • See how many buttons they can stack before the sponge tips or sinks!
  • Try placing buttons on the corners of the sponge to see how it wobbles.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during water play. Buttons are small and are a choking hazard. Ensure your child does not put them in their mouth.