Nuts and Bolts

Some of the things that interest my son consist of anything having to do with tools, planes, and building.  I set up this invitation for him and realized it was so much more complex than just a great fine motor activity.  I found it really required the use of problem solving skills, visual discrimination, hand-eye coordination, knowledge of the concepts of large and small, matching, etc.  I also realized that it takes much more coordination to screw nuts and bolts together freely as opposed to the bolt being attached to a board (which was an easier activity my son did when he was younger).  I sat as a quiet observer during this entire activity.  I found it so intriguing to watch him at play.  I enjoyed watching him problem solve and realize he needed to switch hands in order to successfully screw on the nut, and with each one he would screw the nut on all the way, then unscrew it just to the tip of the bolt.  Hmmmmm….I wonder what his reasoning was behind that.

ALL YOU NEED FOR THIS ACTIVITY ARE VARIOUS SIZED NUTS AND BOLTS.

Nuts and Bolts invitation

He told me, "Mommy, I'm saving the small ones for last because they are tricky."

 

I also found it interesting the way he organized them on the last tray.

- AK (MESE, MECD)