Unlock Your Child’s Motor Skills with a Fun Montessori Activity: Screwing and Unscrewing Tiny Things (Necklaces, Bracelets, Earrings)

As parents, we are always looking for ways to help our children develop and grow. Motor skills are an essential aspect of a child’s development, and there are many fun activities that can aid in their development. One such activity is screwing and unscrewing tiny objects, like necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. This Montessori-inspired activity can not only improve your child’s fine motor skills but also enhance their focus and concentration. In this blog, we will explore this activity in more detail and provide tips on how to introduce it to your child. So, let’s get started!

Screwing and Unscrewing Tiny Things (Necklaces, Bracelets, Earrings)

Suitable Age: 3 1/2+

Materials: 

• A box consisting of various tiny items with screwing latches

Direct Aim:

• To screw and unscrew tiny items independently

Indirect Aim:

• Refining movement of the muscles in the hand
• Concentration
• Hand-eye coordination
• Independence
• Fine motor skills

Presentation/ Child instruction: 

1. Once the box has been opened, randomly choose an item from the box (necklace, bracelet, earrings)
2. Hold the item in your hand and look at the item carefully. Once you are content that the child has also seen the item, point out the latch used to open/close the item.
3. Slowly you will begin to unscrew the item (using your stable hand). Once the item has been completely unscrewed, place the item in front of the box, to the left-hand side.
4. invite the child to choose an item. Once she has chosen an item, the child may feel free to examine it and be given the opportunity to unscrew the item.
5. Once complete, indicate to the child where to place the item (next to the first, forming a row)
6. After all, items have been removed from the box and unscrewed, the reverse process will begin. Reach for the first item in the row and begin to screw the item back together and place it back inside the box. Invite the child to continue with the remaining items and place them back into the box.
7. When they have all been put back into the box, ask the child if she would like to use this activity once again.

Point of interest:

• The various items within the box (necklaces, bracelets, etc…)

Control of Error: 

• Difficulty to unscrew/screwing the items
• Difficulty using the stable hand
• Unable to complete the activity

>> Read more: Unlock Your Child’s Motor Skills with a Fun Montessori Activity: Superimposition of Shapes