Updated: Nov 25, 2021
Children in reception will be learning to:
Develop their small motor skills so that they can use a range of tools competently, safely and confidently. Suggested tools: pencils for drawing and writing, paintbrushes, scissors, knives, forks and spoons. (Physical Development)
Water beads - including clear beads
Paddling pool/tub of water
Container
Soak some water beads in a bowl of water for a few hours/overnight. Once they have grown add them to a paddling pool/tub of water. Watch what happens as they go under water. The clear beads will disappear!
Can they find the beads in the water. They could use sieves or spoons to scoop them out.
Post any beads they find into a container. =
Pincer Grasp - Posting the water beads gets children to use the pincer grasp which will help to develop a good pencil grip.
Fine Motor Skills – As your child picks up the water beads and transfers them to the other container, they are working on motor planning and hand-eye co-ordination. This skill is important for learning how to hold a pencil and how to move their pencil to form letters and words.
If you have a go at this activity and share any photos on social media I would love to see them. Please tag @miniwritersclub and let me know how you get on.
Anna