Presentation

  1. 1

    Invite the child and carry the tray to a table, full pitcher on the right.

  2. 2

    Hold the handle of the full pitcher; place two fingers of the other hand under the spout.

  3. 3

    Lift it and bring the spout just into the opening of the empty pitcher.

  4. 4

    Tip it slowly and pour in a steady stream. When the water stops, turn the pitcher back up and pause so the last drop falls into the receiving pitcher (the drip catch is the point of interest).

  5. 5

    Set the pitcher down without a sound.

  6. 6

    Show how to check for drops: look at the tray, sponge up any water, and dry with the cloth.

  7. 7

    Invite the child to pour back.

  8. 8

    Show where to empty and refill the water. Return the tray, ready for the next person.

Extensions, easiest to hardest

  1. Pour to a line marked on a glass
  2. Pour from one pitcher into two, then three glasses of equal amounts
  3. Pour through a funnel into a narrow bottle
  4. Pour water for a friend at snack

Control of error

Water on the tray is visible and must be sponged up; the line on the glass shows if too much or too little was poured.

Ready to move on when the child…

  • Pours without spilling and catches the last drip
  • Pours to a marked line
  • Sponges and dries any spill without being reminded

Guide note

Keep a sponge and drying cloth on the tray itself so cleanup is part of the work and not a separate trip.

Try “pink tower”, “tummy”, “diaper”, “grace and courtesy”, or “October”.