My plan today was to spend some time solo with Cora, but we got lucky, and Owen ended up being with us for the morning, too. I wanted Cora to work on her hand-eye coordination a bit and stretch her senses while playing with dried beans–feeling the textures, filling containers, and making a mess on my already “screaming for a scrub” kitchen floor. She so loves the sandbox that I was sure she’d enjoy running her tiny fingers through these today.
- Beans: I had these in a bag from last spring when I thought we’d plant ourselves a bean garden (what?!). We did use some, and the kids had fun watching them grow, but we certainly didn’t need a HUGE bag of them. Lucky I did keep them, though, because they helped make this morning more exciting for not one, but two of my little ones.
I poured about half of the bag onto a plastic tray for Owen, and the other half I poured on Cora’s tray. Then I gave them both a couple of pieces from the play kitchen set we have–some plastic measuring spoons, the bottoms of baby bottles, some cups, bowls, and a mini muffin pan. And they just played. And played, and played, and played some more.
I tried to initiate a sort using the muffin tin (hey–muffin tin might be great for crayon bits or beads!), but they both lost interest after a short while. They were really engaged, and their experimenting with filling and emptying, lining and scattering, was working their senses and brains more than we know.
This is definitely an activity for a time when you already need to break out the broom, because, sure, there were dried beans on the floor, but at this point in my life I’ve surrendered myself to the fact that my house will never be spotless, and it will always be desperate for a good cleanin’.However, spring is around the corner, so it would also be a great activity for outside, too. And you might end up with an unexpected bean garden a few weeks later. TGIF–and that was our learning for today!
I just found your blog this week, and I love it already. I have been putting off playing with dried beans with my youngest (22 months), but I should just bite the bullet and get them out. I know she would love it, she LOVES playing in the sandbox. I look forward to reading through your archives for more great ideas!
definitely save these types of activities for days when the kitchen needs a sweep or scrub. i also like to fill the kitchen sink with warm sudsy water for my little guy to play in on the day i know i’m going to scrub the floor!
For a couple of years I had a baby bathtub in my basement half filled with pinto beans for my kids to play with and run trucks through and just have fun with. They loved it! I got rid of it probably two and a half years or more ago. I still find the occasional bean in my basement.
Great ideas!! So funny about the runaway beans. . . I’m sure I’ll find them later on, too!