Transferring and sorting objects with tongs

Age
3-6

Materials

 * 1) One large plate with colored pebbles.
 * 2) 3 similar plates.
 * 3) A tong.

Preparation
This is an individual presentation.

Presentation

 * 1) Directress shows the child how to carry the materials on a tray to the table and shows the child how to use th tongs.
 * 2) Place the top of the tongs at the palm of the hand, holding the two flexible ends in between the thumb and the index finger.
 * 3) Press the two fingers together, bringing the two ends together till it touches at the tip and then releasing it.
 * 4) Directress sorts the pebbles by color.
 * 5) Start by placing one of each color in one plate so that the child could see what we are trying to do.
 * 6) Directress may allow the child to continue sorting the rest of the pebbles.
 * 7) When all the pebbles had been sorted, pour back all the pebbles into the larger plate.

Control Of Error
Spillage - visual and audible.

Points Of Interest
Remember to transfer objects gracefully and quietly. If there is a spillage, Directress shows the child how to pick up the pebbles and place them back into the plate

Purpose
Direct aims: 


 * To teach the child how to sort objects.

Indirect aims: 


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

Variation
Vary the level of difficulty by using from smaller to larger tongs and changing the objects to be sorted. We may also sort by shapes, sizes, colors, etc.