MV T3.13Clothespins on a Container Rim
The child pushes one-piece clothespins onto the rim of a container, then squeezes spring clothespins open to clip them on and take them off.
Safety
- Each clothespin must not fit the small parts test cylinder (1.25 in. wide × 2.25 in. deep); standard clothespins 7 cm (2.75 in.) or longer do not fit, but mini craft clothespins do and are not used.
- Remove any spring clothespin whose spring is loose or whose halves come apart; the metal spring on its own is a small part.
- Show the child how to hold the ends, not the jaws, so fingers are not pinched.
Presentation
- 1
Carry the tray to the table and sit beside the child, with the container in front of them and the push-on clothespins inside it.
- 2
Take out one clothespin and hold it by its round top.
- 3
Line up the slot with the rim and push down until it holds. The clothespin gripping the rim is the point of interest.
- 4
Place two more around the rim, then invite the child to place the rest.
- 5
To take them off, grip each top and pull straight up. Drop each one back into the container.
- 6
When the child places the push-on clothespins without help, show a spring clothespin: hold the ends with thumb and index finger, squeeze slowly so the jaws open, place the jaws over the rim, and let go.
- 7
When the child stops, put the clothespins in the container and return the tray to the shelf.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Spring clothespins with stiffer springs
- Clothespins in colors matched to colored marks on the rim
- Clipping small cloths to the rail of a child-height drying rack
Control of error
A clothespin not pushed on straight falls off; a spring clothespin let go before it is over the rim snaps shut and drops.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Places and removes all the push-on clothespins without help
- Squeezes a spring clothespin open with thumb and index finger
- Clips spring clothespins onto the rim without dropping them
Guide note
Many toddler sources begin with spring clothespins. One-piece push-on clothespins are placed first here because they isolate placing on an edge before squeezing is added.