PL T4.07First Tonging
The child uses wide tongs to move large balls one at a time from one bowl to another.
Safety
- Every object must not fit in the small parts test cylinder (1.25 in. × 2.25 in.), and balls must be more than 1.75 in. (4.4 cm) across; no pom-poms, cotton balls, or marbles for under-3s.
- Tongs have rounded ends and no metal spring that can pinch fingers.
Presentation
- 1
Carry the tray to a table, balls in the left bowl. Hold the tongs with thumb on one side and fingers on the other.
- 2
Squeeze the tongs slowly so the ends close, then open them.
- 3
Lower the open tongs around one ball and squeeze. Lift the ball and move it over the empty bowl.
- 4
Open your hand slowly so the ball drops into the bowl. The ball falling when the tongs open is the point of interest.
- 5
Move one more ball, then hand the child the tongs and wait.
- 6
When the bowl is empty, return the tray to the shelf together.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Move balls into the sections of a large muffin tin, one in each
- Move objects of different shapes (large wooden rings, wooden eggs)
- Serve fruit pieces with tongs at snack
Control of error
A ball drops before the bowl if the squeeze loosens; a ball that is released too high bounces out onto the tray.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Squeezes the tongs with one hand to grip a ball
- Carries the ball to the second bowl without dropping it
- Moves all the balls one at a time
Guide note
The 3–6 version uses smaller objects (pom-poms, walnuts, marbles). Keep the objects large here; smaller objects come after age 3.