Your child will explore the differences between wooden, metal, and plastic objects.
Learning Area(s): Science; Physical Development
MATERIALS
- 3 wooden objects (e.g., block, spoon, toy, twig, clothespin)
- 3 metal objects (e.g., spoon, measuring spoons, keys, whisk, toy car, bell)
- 3 plastic objects (e.g., spoon/spatula, toy, measuring cup, bowl/cup, toy egg)
LET'S PLAY
Show your baby or toddler the wooden objects first. Let your child explore the different objects with their hands and mouth. Talk about how the wooden objects feel using words like smooth and hard. You might say, “This is a wooden spoon. It feels smooth. It’s hard and won’t break when we stir with it.” Allow your child time to explore the objects and then ask which is her favorite. Clear the rest of the objects but keep her favorite to the side to explore again later.
Repeat the process with the metal objects using words like shiny and cold (“This is the metal spoon. It is shiny and feels a little cold when we touch it.”), and then with the plastic objects using words like smooth and light.
After your child has explored each group of objects, lay out your child’s favorite object(s) from each group in front of her. Remind her what each one is made of and allow her to touch and explore them again. While she explores each object, remind her how each one looks and feels. Show your child how to bang with the different objects on a bowl or high chair, and talk about the shapes of the objects and the different noises they make. For example, “The metal keys are so loud when you bang them on your high chair, but the plastic egg is much quieter.”
TIPS
Babies learn by exploring things with their mouths. Make sure all objects are clean and safe for mouthing, and large enough to not pose a choking hazard.