PL 1.12Using a Dropper
The child uses a dropper to move water one drop at a time into small containers.
Presentation
- 1
Invite the child and carry the tray to the table.
- 2
Hold the dropper with the bulb between your thumb and index finger.
- 3
Squeeze the bulb before putting the tip in the water. Pause and name this step; squeezing before dipping is the difficulty isolated here.
- 4
Put the tip in the water and slowly release the bulb. Show the water rising in the tube.
- 5
Lift the dropper, move it over the first well, and squeeze very gently so one drop falls. Counting each drop is the point of interest.
- 6
Continue until the well is full, then move to the next well.
- 7
Sponge up any drops on the tray.
- 8
Invite the child to try. Show how to empty the wells back into the glass when finished.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Put a set number of drops in each well (1, 2, 3...)
- Drop water onto a coin or leaf and watch the drops form
- Mix colors: yellow and blue drops in one well
Control of error
If the bulb is squeezed in the water, bubbles appear; too much pressure makes a stream instead of drops.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Releases one drop at a time
- Squeezes the bulb before dipping without reminders
- Fills wells without spilling onto the tray