I decided it was time to introduce my 2-year-old granddaughter to a practical life activity that was always very popular when I was a Montessori teacher – eggshell crushing. I had an idea for a project and needed to start preparing in advance.
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Eggshell crushing in itself is simple to set up if you have a mortar and pestle. I had received one in the Montessori By Mom Art Appreciation Toolbox. Montessori Services has a nice mortar and pestle, too.
Eggshell Crushing – Montessori Practical Life Fun for Toddlers and Preschoolers {Video}
Zoey had so much fun with this activity! I only show part of her eggshell crushing activities in this 57-second video. She worked with it a long time and repeated it a number of times, too.
Preparing an Eggshell Crushing Activity
Montessori Eggshell Crushing Tray
Using a Mortar and Pestle to Crush Eggshells
Materials Used:
- Mortar and Pestle (such as one from Montessori By Mom or Montessori Services). These are real tools, so you can use them for your herbs and spices, too.
- Tray (I used a Montessori Services large plastic tray.)
- 2 small containers (one for clean, dry eggshells and one for crushed eggshells)
- spoon for transferring crushed eggshells
- clean, dry eggshells (I’ve been using white eggs lately so that I can wash the eggshells in hot water and let them dry for winter projects. Dyed eggshells are fabulous for collages year round!)
Spooning Crushed Eggshells
Many mortar and pestle activities don’t include a spoon. I decided to use one for this activity to add some extra possibilities for concentrated work and fine-motor development. I’m so glad I did! Zoey loved the spoon. She used it to transfer eggshells, but she also spent quite a bit of time stirring the eggshells.
Proud of Her Eggshell Crushing Work
Activities with the Crushed Eggshells
See my Snowy Day eggshell crushing and pin poking activity for a fun way to use white eggshells!
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I’ve been collecting my egg shells so that my primary students can do this work. My employer told me the shells need to be sanitized in a microwave to get rid of any salmonella. Would you happen to know how long I need to microwave the shells? Thanks!
And here I have just been composting my eggshells all these years. It had never occurred to me to do a sensorial job with them! (And they will probably compost better after being crushed any ways! 😉 )
For other parents looking to do this, you can also often find inexpensive mortar & pestles at Ross/TJ Maxx/Marshall’s.
This looks fun for the kids! And, not something I would have ever thought to have them do! Thanks for sharing it! It will be interesting to see the project!