Spoons in a Basket: illustration of a toddler doing the activity

Spoons in a Basket

from 24 months · 5-10 min · Everyday helper

What you need

  • a small basket
  • the spoons for the meal
  • the table

How to do it

  1. Put the spoons in a small basket.
  2. Let them carry the basket to the table with both hands.
  3. Take the spoons out one at a time and put one at each place.
  4. Carry the empty basket back.

Why it matters

A basket turns lots of little things into one thing to carry, which suits how toddlers like to carry: one item, both hands.

What they're learning

One thing to carry
A basket makes many things into one.
Handing out
Emptying it at the table is a second job.
Both hands
Carrying with two hands is steadier.

What to look for

Watch for them holding the basket close to their body as they walk.

A tip

Unbreakable plates and cups only, nothing hot, and no knives. Stay with them while they carry. Keep sharp cutlery out of the basket.

Make it easier or harder

Easier: put two spoons in the basket

Harder: add the napkins to the basket too

More like this

Browse

Everyday helper activities · Activities for 2 year olds · Toddler activities with a spoon · Toddler activities with a basket

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