Scooping and Pouring Water Station
Set up cups, funnels, and a basin of water so your toddler can practice scooping and pouring — a classic Montessori-inspired sensory activity.
What You'll Need
- 1Large basin or plastic tub
- 2Small cups and measuring cups
- 3Funnel
- 4Turkey baster (optional)
- 5Towels
What You'll Need
A large basin or plastic tub
Small cups and measuring cups
A funnel
A turkey baster (optional, great for older toddlers)
Towels for cleanup
How to Play
Fill a large basin or tub with a few inches of warm water.
Arrange cups, measuring cups, a funnel, and a turkey baster on a towel next to the basin.
Place everything on a towel-covered floor or head outside if the weather is nice.
Show your toddler how to scoop water with a cup and pour it into another cup.
Demonstrate the funnel — pour water through it into a bottle and watch your toddler's face light up.
Step back and let them explore. Scooping, pouring, splashing, and transferring between containers is all fair game.
Narrate: "You're filling the big cup! Now pour it into the little one! So much water!"
Tips
Pouring is a foundational life skill in Montessori education — this playful practice translates directly to pouring their own drink later.
Add a drop of food coloring to the water to make it more visually interesting.
The turkey baster is amazing for hand strength — squeezing and releasing builds the muscles needed for writing.
Put a few towels down and accept that water will go everywhere. That's the activity working.
Try different temperatures on different days — cool water in summer, warm water in winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 15 min, with 5 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: large basin or plastic tub, small cups and measuring cups, funnel, turkey baster (optional), towels.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 1-2 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors or outdoors?
This activity works great both indoors and outdoors, giving you flexibility based on the weather or your space.
How difficult is this activity?
This is an easy activity that requires minimal setup and supervision. Great for busy days or when you need something quick.
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