1 min read
What you need
- A bag of dry rice
- A large shallow tub
- Scoops, spoons, jugs and funnels
- An old sheet or towel
- Small toys to hide (optional)
Scooping and pouring is one of the few things that holds a small child’s attention for long stretches with no adult input. A bag of rice is the cheapest version of it.
How to set it up
- Pour a bag of dry rice into a large shallow tub — a washing-up bowl or under-bed storage box works.
- Add scoops, spoons, small jugs, funnels and a few containers of different sizes.
- Put the whole thing on an old sheet or towel. This is not optional.
- Hide a few small toys in the rice for older children to find.
Why it works
Pouring has an obvious cause and effect and no wrong answer, which is exactly the combination young children repeat. It is also quiet, which on some afternoons is the entire point.
Safety
Dry rice is a choking risk and is not suitable for children who still put things in their mouths — stay with them throughout. Uncooked rice should not be eaten. If your child is likely to taste it, use large dried pasta shapes instead, or oats.
Storage
Tip the sheet back into the tub afterwards and put the lid on. The same rice lasts months and gets used dozens of times.
More sensory ideas in Busy Kids, Bright Minds.