A number of autumn activities are only appropriate before or on Halloween. Montessori teacher Andrea Coventry has ideas for two Montessori practical life activities using flint corn (Indian corn) that are fun and effective throughout the fall season.
Scrubbing Flint Corn
Scrubbing Flint Corn (Photo by Andrea Coventry)
Practical life activities provide benefits far beyond the eye-hand coordination your preschooler gains. Setting out materials in an orderly fashion, following a sequence of steps in completing the activity, concentrating on the activity, and cleaning up and putting the materials away are important in helping your child develop a sense of order and the ability to concentrate for increasingly longer periods. In addition, there’s the important sense of pride and independence children gain as they learn new skills.
UPDATE: Andrea’s original article is no longer available.
Tweezing Flint Corn
Tweezing Indian Corn (Photo by Andrea Coventry)
Tweezing flint corn is especially helpful in developing coordination and control of movement. Again, there are many other skills besides coordination your child will develop through the activity.
Note: if your child finds it too difficult to use tweezers yet, it’s fine for your child to use his or her fingers to pick the kernels of corn out of the cob. Using tweezers can be an extension for a later stage of development.
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“My” kids love love love tweezing exercise ( http://leptir-mojpribor.blogspot.com/2010/10/kukuruz-corn.html );
thanks for scrubbing idea 🙂
Thanks so much for your comment and link! What great corn activities you have out this year! The activity of using tweezers and suction cups is always especially fun.
Oh, my two would enjoy these! Currently I only have 3 ears of indian corn and I’m not willing to part with them:-) I’ll have to keep my eye out for some more so my kids can give these a try!
Thanks, Michelle! I hope you find a good source for your corn. I’ve even seen it available online, but you should be able to find some locally.
What a great activity!!!
Happy iFellowship Day!
have a great Wednesday Deb!
Thanks, Penny! I always love iFellowship Day!I hope you have a great Wednesday, too!
That is a great activity. I am sure that my daughter would love it!
Thanks for your comment, Cara! I’ve found that preschoolers really enjoy these activities