PL T4.01Moving Objects Between Two Bowls
The child moves large balls one at a time from one bowl to another with their hand.
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 to meet the federal small-ball rule for under-3s; 5 cm is used here for a margin.
- Balls are checked before each use for cracks, loose paint, or loose threads, and removed if damaged.
Presentation
- 1
Carry the tray to a low table or the floor, with the balls in the bowl on the left.
- 2
Pick up one ball with your whole hand, slowly, and hold it over the empty bowl.
- 3
Open your hand and let the ball drop in. Pause. Hearing and seeing the ball land in the bowl is the point of interest.
- 4
Move one more ball the same way. Then point to the next ball and wait for the child.
- 5
When the bowl is empty, let the child move them back if they want. Return the tray to the shelf together.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Move objects of different shapes (large wooden eggs, large wooden rings)
- Move objects into a container with a narrower opening
- Move one object into each section of a large muffin tin
Control of error
A ball that misses the bowl rolls onto the tray; the full and empty bowls show when the work is done.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Moves all the balls one at a time
- Releases each ball over the bowl, not beside it
- Repeats the work several times on their own
Guide note
Toddlers will often pick up the bowl and pour the balls instead. That is a different skill; the adult shows the one-at-a-time version again another day without correcting.