Lids On, Lids Off

What you need

• plastic tubs
• tub lids

How to do it

1. Line up three or four empty plastic tubs with their lids scattered nearby.
2. Show your toddler taking a lid off a tub, then twisting or pressing it back on.
3. Mix the lids up and let them match each one to its own tub.
4. Take all the lids off again and start over.

Why it matters

Working out which lid belongs to which tub and getting it to click or twist shut is the same fiddly hand control a real tap or a jar at home will need. Every tub here is waiting for its turn in the recycling once the lids are sorted.

What they're learning

Pincer grip

Twisting or pressing a lid on trains precise finger and wrist control.

Sorting

Matching each lid to its own tub is early sorting by size and shape.

Focus & persistence

Working through every tub keeps them on the same small task to the end.

What to look for

Watch for them trying a lid on the wrong tub, noticing it does not fit, and moving on to try another.

A tip

Rinse and dry the tubs first and check for any cracked or sharp edges before handing them over.

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