Scoopers

This next idea is just as simple as it can get!  Children are always very curious about scooping and dumping.  It has to be one of the most easiest, yet inexpensive items to make for a child to use that will keep him or her entertained for possibly hours!  Therefore, making a scoop for them to use at home is a must!

Through scooping and dumping, children learn and develop:

• Cause and effect
• Comparing
• Measurement
• Eye/hand coordination

To make your own scoopers, you will need:

• Empty plastic containers such as milk, juice, or detergent bottles (anything that has a handle)
• Sharpie marker
• A sharp knife for carving

First, make sure your container is completely cleaned out and dry.  Since little ones will be using them, we want to make sure that there is no residue left on them.  Secondly, trace an outline around the bottom edge to cut.   

The ones I have pictured are cut at an angle, but you can make a straight cut through the bottle as well.  Once your tracing is finished, carefully use a knife to carve off the bottom half of the bottle.  After you have carved off the bottom half, you can file it down to avoid sharp edges. 

When you have completed the above steps, you now have a scooper for your child to use.  Different items that your child can scoop include dry rice, sand, dirt, and water.  If you want to scoop water, make sure you keep the lids to your containers.

Also, the scoopers don’t just have to be used for “scooping”.  Other fun activities include:

  

•  Ball Toss/Catch

• Golf - laying the scoopers flat on the ground

Do you have any other ideas of items that you can use as scoopers?  What else can you do with your scoopers?  Please share!