This pom pom drop activity for toddlers is so simple to set up and is sure to entertain them for a long time. It’s great for helping them develop fine motor skills and an understanding of cause and effect.
You might recall this activity, which I did with Possum (aged 4) a few years ago. It’s a classic and I loved giving Boo (aged 12 months) a chance to have a go at it and learn through her play experience.
Pom pom drop activity for toddlers
To set up a pompom drop activity for your child, you’ll need –
- Tube (paper rolls work well)
- pompoms
- sticky or masking tape
- container
Recommended age: 1 year +
(Strict and active supervision is required at all times)
I have to admit, I did try this with Boo about a month ago and she couldn’t resist just pulling the tube off the wall. I tried it again a month or so later and she was able to complete the task perfectly.
All children are different, develop at different rates, so give it a go and see how your child responds. If they are unable to grasp the task then wait a few months and try again. Kids learn and develop so quickly!
If they are a little older than toddler age then you can extend the activity by adding more paper tubes and having the pompoms travel down various paths to the container.
Older children would love getting creative with this activity!
Possum (aged 4 years) couldn’t wait to have a go at this activity herself. She became a wonderful example to Boo and showed her what the task involved and how to do it. Isn’t it amazing how much children learn from each other.
Cooperation
When children engage on a task that involves another person, it encourages them to take turns, enjoy learning and playing with others and getting along. This activity was great for learning about cooperation.
Fine Motor Skills
Boo really gave her fine motor skills a good work out with this activity. I could have incuded a set of tweezers to add to the fine motor challenge, but this was good enough for her age.
Mixing things up a bit
We couldn’t resist adjusting the cardboard tube so it was on an angle. Obviously when you do that you are also adjusting the speed at which the pom pom drops down. It was wonderful to see Boo’s little mind tick over when we played and experimented with different angles of the cardboard tube.
I hope your toddler has a wonderful time with this activity. Like I said, it’s a classic and can be made to suit the age of all children. My next plan is to get hubby on board and make a water wall with plastic tubes and funnels. Stay tuned.
Would your child enjoy this pom pom drop activity?
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It really is the most simple things that get kids learning in a fun and interactive way- I will be trying this with miss 3 tomorrow 🙂
I completely agree with you Sarah. Some of the little activities I do I don’t think I should share on my blog because they are just so simple, but they ARE often the best ideas. Thank you so kindly. I hope your little girl has fun with this activity. 🙂
I didn’t have any pom poms or tube, but the whole family enjoyed playing with lightweight plastic balls and a length of plastic drainpipe. Our 18month old granddaughter shrieked with delight as her uncle invented several new games with these simple ingredients.
FANTASTIC Sue! That’s so wonderful to hear. It’s such a great little activity that you can make work however you please. Thanks for your comment Sue. I love hearing this type of feedback. Have a great day! 🙂
First School too believes in making an environment for kids where learning is fun. Learning becomes easier in activities for preschoolers. They enjoy the activities and learn a skill. This article has dragged a nice activity in form of pompom drop activity. This is very safe and enjoyable for your toddlers.
Thank you kindly. 🙂 Lovely to read your comment.
Yes I also think this would be a good idea for grandpas and grandmas. Sometimes overactive toddlers can be difficult to entertain especially on short notice so i thank you for your sim0le but caring ideas. Sometimes simple ideas slip our minds in the heat of the times. Thank you again
Oh Pat, you’re totally right. I’m all for play ideas being super simple, fun and educational. Thank you for your very kind comments. Wishing you a wonderful day. 🙂
Love this super simple activity idea. Looking forward to reading more and trying them out.
Thanks Vanessa! Lovely to hear from you. 🙂
Tried this with my daughter when she was about a year, she liked to put them in her mouth which can be a choking hazard so just keep an eye out (obviously).
Exactly Alicia. You need to be careful. If you feel your child is even likely to put them in their mouth then it’s probably best to wait until they are past that stage.