SE T3.03One for Each: An Object in Each Cup
The child places one object in each cup of a row until every cup has one.
Age 20 mo–2½Work 3 of 13 in Size, Color, Shape, Texture, Sound, and Smell
Safety
- Every object must not fit the small parts test cylinder (1.25 in. × 2.25 in.).
- Any ball must be at least 5 cm across; balls under 1.75 in. (4.4 cm) are banned for children under 3 by US federal rule (16 C.F.R. 1500.18(a)(17)).
- Use wooden or metal egg cups; glass or ceramic only where licensing allows and with an adult watching.
Presentation
- 1
Carry the tray to the table and place the basket of eggs beside it.
- 2
Point to each empty cup in turn, from left to right.
- 3
Pick up one egg and place it in the first cup.
- 4
Continue along the row, one egg in each cup. Point of interest: the last egg going into the last cup, with none left over.
- 5
Look along the row and say, "One egg in each cup."
- 6
Take the eggs out one at a time, put them back in the basket, and invite the child.
- 7
If the child puts two eggs in one cup, wait; the empty cup at the end shows the error.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Six balls, each at least 5 cm across, in a six-cup muffin tin
- Put one napkin at each place when setting the table
- Give one cup to each child at snack
Control of error
If two objects go into one cup, a cup stays empty at the end.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Places one object in each cup along the whole row without help
- Notices and fixes a cup with two objects
- Gives one item to each person or place during daily routines