First Dry Pouring

Safety

Check each child's allergy list for the cereal's ingredients (oats, wheat) before offering it; each child gets fresh cereal and cereal from the tray is not reused the next day.
Dried beans, lentils, and rice fit the small parts test cylinder (1.25 in. × 2.25 in.) and are not used unless the work is closely supervised and the adult judges the child no longer mouths objects.
Pitchers are unbreakable or, where licensing allows glass, used only with an adult present.

Presentation

1
Carry the tray to a table with the pitcher on the right. Hold the handle with your dominant hand.
2
Lift the pitcher and bring the spout to the middle of the bowl, just above the rim.
3
Tip the pitcher slowly and pour until it is empty. Watching the cereal stream out is the point of interest.
4
Set the pitcher down without a sound. Pick up any spilled pieces with your fingers.
5
Tip the bowl to put the cereal back into the pitcher yourself, then hand the child the pitcher and wait while they pour.

Extensions, easiest to hardest

Pour from one small pitcher into a second, identical pitcher
Pour into two small bowls, some in each
Pour a drink from a small pitcher at snack
Pour dried beans or rice only with close supervision once the adult judges the child no longer mouths objects

Control of error

Cereal on the tray shows the spout was not over the bowl or the pitcher was tipped too fast.

Ready to move on when the child…

Holds the pitcher by its handle and aims the spout at the bowl
Pours all the cereal with few pieces on the tray
Sets the pitcher down gently

Guide note

Pouring into a wide bowl first is easier than pouring into a second pitcher, which is the 3–6 starting point. Some toddler programs pour dry sand or water outdoors first; both work.