Opening and closing locks and keys

Age
3-6

Materials

 * Selection of 4 different sizes of locks and keys.
 * Felt cloth.

Preparation
This is an individual presentation.

Presentation

 * 1) Directress shows the child how to carry the materials on a tray to the table, lay the felt cloth on the table and takes out all the locks and keys, one at a time.
 * 2) Remove the key from the lock and place the key in front of the lock in a row on the cloth.
 * 3) Starting from left to right, the Directress takes the key with the right hand and the lock with the left hand.
 * 4) Insert the key into the keyhole of the lock and turn the key anti-clockwise completely till the latch opened.
 * 5) Turn the latch completely to the side and place it down on the felt cloth.
 * 6) Leave the key inside the lock.
 * 7) Directress repeats for the rest of the locks.
 * 8) When finished opening all the locks, then we start closing the locks, starting from left to right again.
 * 9) Turn the latch and put it into the lock, push it in till you hear a click.
 * 10) Take out the key and place the lock on the felt cloth with the key in front of it.
 * 11) Allow the child to try the last one.

Control Of Error
Locks will not open if wrong key is chosen. Keys will not fit into locks if wrong ones are chosen.

Points Of Interest
Remember to open and close the locks and keys slowly, pausing at every moment.

Purpose
Direct aims:


 * To teach the child how to open and close locks and keys.

Indirect aims: 


 * To develop the child's eye hand coordination.
 * To develop the child's fine motor control.
 * To develop the child's concentration.
 * To develop the child's independence.
 * To satisfy the child's need for order.
 * To build their muscles for pencil grip.

Variation
Have different locks. Locks with number combinations and different types of keys. Mix up the key after closing and let the child find the correct key to open it.