Pouring Skills in Preschoolers
In this Article
Wondering why pouring is done in preschool? From enhancing critical thinking skills to helping kids gain special awareness, finer motor skills, independence, self-regulation, and more, this development milestone in preschoolers does it all. Mommies, help kids pour out water, beads, and cake batter at home too!
When kids get set to learn the skills of pouring, be it at home or preschool, their caregivers always seem to be on high alert. And rightfully so; what if those inevitable spill-offs cause accidents or end up messing neat places? Nevertheless, the benefits of teaching kids how to pour liquids(of any consistency)or small objects like marbles and beads, from one container to another, makes way for scores of benefits. Here’s why you should be encouraging your child to learn how to pour properly.
Pouring in Preschoolers
1. Problem-Solving Skills
Thinking about how to handle pouring activities make preschoolers plan out the best ways of going about the task. With regular practice, they understand the speed at which they need to pour and for how long. Soon, with small improvements in their critical thinking patterns, they understand why they need to tilt the spout of dainty kettles, observe the amount being poured to prevent spill-overs, and so forth. Learning the art of pouring would also form the base for scientific reasoning and mathematical calculations.
2. Language Development
Developing the skill of pouring in kids require instructors to speak at length, give simple orders in as many words as needed, cajole them to look where the poured substance is headed, and more. This, in turn, paves the path for smooth language development.
3. Filling up Empty Spaces Carefully
At first, while pouring water from one plastic bowl to the other, a 3-year-old may find it tough to decipher the space he needs to operate in. Slowly, the sense of space management will come into the picture. He would know how to fill half a cup with sand or stop just before water is about to spill over from his favourite glass.
4. Self-Independence
Practicing pouring skills in children, regularly, teaches them effective ways of being on their own. Once your baby learns how to pour water from a bottle, you will find him twisting the cap gently, taking the cup in his little hands, and pouring out just enough for quenching his thirst. That’s one work less for you!
5. Fine Motor Skills
Along with improving upon the cognitive abilities of preschoolers, the right pouring techniques are also helpful in developing their fine motor skills. By pouring small quantities of orange juice, chocolate syrup, or for that matter any other object of choice, kids start showing better eye-hand coordination, understanding how much goes where, and more.
Pouring skills are best nurtured during pre-school years. It teaches 3-year-old’s to think critically, enjoy better eye-hand coordination, and gain self-independence. So, moms, go ahead and engage your little one with pouring!
