Pom Pom Scoop

 

These cold and windy winter days with an active toddler have been interesting to say the least, ha! On a whim, I dug out a few supplies from a craft/homeschool box and set them in front of my 16 month old in hopes it would give us just a few minutes of entertainment. 

And thankfully, she was INTO it!

She wouldn't even look up at me for a picture, the concentration was real!

We're trying to work on more independent eating with utensils (all. the. messes.), so this scooping activity was perfect for her. It also helps that the pom poms are soft and sparkly...she was ready to dive in!

All of these supplies can be found at the dollar store, but I'm pretty sure the pom poms came from Hobby Lobby. 

Here's what you'll need:

• a medium sized bin (or shoebox or tupperware container...anything to hold the pom poms!)
• pom poms
• a scoop (mine is an ice scoop from the Dollar Tree)
• a plastic cup or bowl (or any other containers for pom pom transfer

Tips for the parent:

• These fuzzy little pom poms will be tempting for your toddler to put in his/her mouth, so don't leave your little one unattended! I fully expected mine to pop one in her mouth....and she only did it once as we were cleaning up. Be sure to watch the whole time!
• You'll probably have to model what to do a few times before your toddler understands what to do. Show what to do and then pass the scoop with an exciting, "Your turn!". Put your hand over theirs and make the wrist turns together. 
• Stay positive if they don't get it! These moves are new and difficult for your little one, so they may need lots of encouragement. 
• Talk through it! Use this as an opportunity for some language development. Talk about everything...the different colors, "Now it's your turn!", words of encouragement, "thank you!", praise...anything!

If you try this activity, tag me on Instagram @the_elementary_mama and share your little one at work!