The children engaged in an activity using plastic links and paper towel holders, as Tanusha had observed them exploring objects by pulling and dropping them. Isaiah, Leona, and Micah came over to see what Tanusha had brought out.
Tanusha put the connecting links on the holder, and Isaiah easily pulled them off. He also shook the connecting links, making a rattling sound. He then tried stacking the links on the holder. Leona also seemed to enjoy the activity as she pulled the links off the holder. She experimented with sound by grabbing two holders and hitting them together. She appeared to enjoy this, as she repeated the action several times. It was interesting to observe Micah as he tried to figure out how to take the links off. Tanusha wondered what might have been going through Micah’s mind at that moment. Eva also participated in the activity by grabbing the links and bringing them over to Tanusha. When Tanusha shook the links, Eva smiled, which demonstrated her growing social skills. Leona and Eloise also engaged in play together as they sat facing each other and shook the connected links, making sounds. It was wonderful to see them playing together, interacting, and sharing joy and connection.
This activity supported the children’s fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, social development, sensory exploration, and problem-solving skills. They also learned about cause and effect, understanding that when they pull the links, they come off, and when they shake the connected links, they make sounds. These actions demonstrate that the children are developing vital life skills that will support them later in life. As an extension, we could introduce a treasure basket with the links and observe how the children engage with it.
