Birds sitting on a twig (Age: 2 years onwards) fine motor skills development

 

As part of the Montessori prepared environment this is one of the activities I love to put on the shelves and I enjoy introducing it to the children in early years settings.

It is an easy activity to put together. It is simple and your child can be involved right from the beginning e.g. you can go out with your child to select a twig and bring it back indoors for the activity.

There are so many talking points with this activity, even for the very young child, e.g. the sensory expect of the activity, colours, soft and hard texture of the twig and blossoms.

You can put it against the child's arm and let the child feel the softness of the blossoms.

With an older child you can talk about birds building nests, and other insects living in the trees. How the trees change with the seasons and talk about the signs of spring, summer, autumn and winter.

Here is how I made the birds sitting on the twig

For me it was important that I use regular clothespins as the stationery clothespins are small for a child's little fingers to hold. It gives the child a better grip of the pins and makes it easier for the child to use his/hers thumb and pointer finger.

Materials you will need:

6 Wooden clothespins

6 small birds

1 twig with blossoms (large enough for the child to hold and manage)

 A tray for presentation

Wood glue (I used a hot glue gun). If using hot glue gun than do this without the child)

Method:

Glue the birds at the front of the clothespins. Let it dry. Once dry you can use it for the activity. This makes it easier for the child to hold and feel the birds.

Presentation

 

As in the above picture place the prepared chicks in a bowl and the twig on top so that

it is easier for the child to bring it to the work mat on the floor or at the table.

Remind the child about the walk and how you both found this twig. Do a quick recap of the conversation and then explain to the child how he/she can make these little birds sit on the branch. Sometimes the children want to build a nest as well.

 

From my experience I know that this activity is very therapeutic and informative for the child. I have had children finding different twigs with different types of blossoms bringing it to the nature table. It encourages children to go outside and investigate their environment.

 

When the child has finished with the activity, make sure that the child washes his/hers hand.

 

You can rotate the objects e.g. replace it with flowers, bees, insects, and leaves. Use your imagination, BUT MAKE SURE IT´S CHILD FRIENDLY!

          Here is the video on how to makes clothespin birds

                                                      

Spring Montessori Inspired Activities for Children (2 years onwards)