This is a very basic idea that you can do with babies that is also educational.
It is simply a cupcake tray with a few small and interesting items.
I have included items such as –
* baby socks
* teething rings
* blocks
The good news is that babies are not very fussy when it come to things to play with.
As long as they are safe and receiving constant supervision then not much can go wrong.
Here is my little girl, Possum.
When I gave her my tray of objects her face lit up like Christmas!
When I gave her my tray of objects her face lit up like Christmas!
Possum began removing all the objects from the tray and then replacing them again.
I also watched her remove all the objects but start moving some of them from one cupcake ‘hole’ to another. She did this for several minutes.
Possum also found the tray itself very interesting, especially when she was laying on her back.
She loved poking each cupcake space and using her finger to circle each shape.
The tray upside-down created a different surface for her to place her objects.
There is lots of learning that is taking place when I a child does this activity.
To name just a few …
Spatial recognition
Spatial recognition is a baby learning how they are positioned in space and this activity helps develop their understanding by teaching them about their limbs and how their actions can cause changes in their environment.
Colour differentiation
This obviously depends on the objects you use, however, if you select a variety of objects of different colours they can begin to recognise this and work towards later categorising.
Transferring of Objects
Perfect way to teach children about moving objects through space and what is also called object permanence, being that it will not move once it is no longer touched.
Weight
By using a variety of objects children are learning about how some objects are heavier than others.
_________________________
I hope your little one enjoys this activity.
Please feel free to comment below and follow me via another mode of social media.
Better yet, subscribe so you never miss a post!!!!
Kate
Very cute pictures and a easy to do fun activity! It is great to see ideas for things we have around the house, and just using the differently 🙂
So simple, fun and easy to do. That is me! hahaha
Trays are so fun to explore.
I love that you added a sock to the mix 🙂
shows that babies dont need all the fantastic plastic gizmo’s on the shelf these days.
Exactly Rez!!! 🙂
Great idea, I’ve never given a muffin tin to a baby but I will now! Thanks for the inspiration. I love your daughter’s eyes in the photo when she gets the tin!
Possum has the most sensational eyes and never misses a trick. She loves playing with her play tray. Thanks for your comment.
Simple but lots of opportunity for learning.
Exactly Jackie. Thanks for commenting.
I’ve got a little one coming up to this stage, so will definitely try this out. The simple ideas are the best aren’t they 🙂
I’m all for simple and so this is great!!!
I love your pics!! We use trays a lot here…i love the simplicity and fun opportunities for learning!!x
That’s great Jodie. Trays are the best.
Oh my, Possum is absolutely adorable! Loved your photos, what a great set up for play and investigation.
Thank you so much Caz! My little Possum is adorable and I love her so much. She really loved playing with her tray and I like that I can change it daily! 🙂
Great idea! Love the simplicity !
Have a great week!
xoxo Carly
Good blog. Lots of great information and inspiration, both of which we all need. Thanks.