Montessori practical life activities are simple activities that parents love to do around the home with their children. Conversely, students joyfully participate in these activities with their teachers in their classrooms.
One such Montessori practical life activity is pouring. Furthermore, we divide pouring activities into four main categories: dry pouring, grains pouring, water pouring, and wet pouring.
Pouring activities benefit toddlers and preschoolers in many ways. Based on my parenting and teaching experience, I present a complete guide to Montessori pouring activities.
Montessori Dry Pouring Activity:
We can assume from the name ‘ Montessori Dry Pouring Activity ‘ is an activity where children, kids, preschoolers, and toddlers pour something dry from one container to another container.
I did not need any costly Montessori material to perform this activity with my children and my students. All I needed was a small jug, another empty container, a tray, colorful rice, a homemade indicator line, and a mat.
Once I gathered all the materials, I started to demonstrate the entire activity in front of my children’s eyes and then told them “Watch me first and then I shall give you a turn to try ”
Then I showed them the whole process:
Firstly, I took the mat and stretched it out on the floor, then put the jug, container, and tray there.
Secondly, I took the jug which was full of colorful rice and gradually started to pour it into the empty container. Here I used the indicator line to show them how much rice I was pouring into the empty container.
Finally, I finished the dry pouring activity. Here I must say that I collected all the rice which fell on the mat during the process.
After that, I gave them the task and after a brief moment of hesitation, they completed it.
However, at school, I find everything prepared. I only need my students and follow the task according to my instructions and guidance.
Benefits:
- Increases children’s pincer grip
- Enhances hand-eye coordination
- Children learn mathematical skills because they deal with the indicator line.
- Through this activity they learn where to stop and where to begin.
- In addition, it builds their vocabulary too.
- Develops concentration
Here is an extra tip for parents, educators, and Montessori enthusiasts:
To get the best result make the activity more challenging by using:
- An advanced indicator line
- Two unequal containers
- Scatter those colorful rice and tell your children to pick them up using their two fingers.
Montessori Pouring Grains Activity:
Montessori grains pouring activity is similar to the Montessori dry pouring activity. You have noticed that while I performed dry pouring activities with my students and with my children I used colorful rice.
Here in this activity, I have use different grains for different age groups. For example
For Beginners (Infants and Toddlers):
Large Grains: These are easier to handle and less likely to spill excessively.
- Lentils
- Large rice grains (e.g., basmati)
- Split peas
For Intermediate Learners (Preschoolers):
Medium-sized Grains: Encourage refinement of hand-eye coordination and control.
- Smaller lentils
- Barley
- Small beans
For Advanced Learners (Older Children):
Fine Grains: To deal with fine grains children require mastering hand-eye coordination.
- Fine rice (e.g., jasmine)
- Sand (if doing a dry pouring activity)
- Flour (for pouring into narrower containers)
You can see I have given all the details about the activity. I have a 7-year-old son and a 5-year-old daughter and numerous students of almost every age group. Thus, I have experienced everything about the activity. Here is a step by step by presentation:
Steps:
- Invite your child/students to bring all the necessary items to the table with all the materials needed for the activity.
2.Show them the entire process – how to pour grains from one container to another. You should tell them to watch your actions carefully rather than listening to what you are saying.
- Encourage them to pour from left to right.
- Show them how to pick grains spilled on the table and place them back in the container.
- 5. You are good to go.
Montessori Water And Wet Pouring Activities:
When my students/children got accustomed to pouring things like colorful rice, beans, or sand, I introduced a Montessori wet or water-pouring activity to them.
Here is a summarized version of the activity:
| Montessori Water/Wet Pouring Activity | Details |
| Materials Needed | – Two spouted pitchers |
| – A tray with a rubbery texture to prevent slipping | |
| – A sponge for cleanups | |
| – Water (optional: colored with a drop of green food coloring for interest) | |
| Setup | – Place materials on a tray easy to lift and carry |
| Demonstration of the process | – Ensure the child is sitting beside you |
| – Demonstrate as if teaching directly to the child |
Sumanta De is an educator. He has been teaching students for more than 16 years following the principles of Dr.Maria Montessori. He has a 7-year-old son and a 5-year-old daughter.
He is nurturing his children abiding by the principles of Dr.Maria Montessori. His passion for Montessori methods goes beyond the classroom.
Hence, he shares his experiences and insights through a dedicated Montessori blog and a YouTube channel under the name “NewChild Montessori”. He aims to offer valuable guidance to both parents and educators.
Education: M.A. English, Masters in Child Psychology & Bachelor’s Degree in Montessori Teachers Training