Today we will be working with dried corn on the cob that is often used for decoration this time of year. Along with the corn, you will need a small tub and some plastic cups or other form of small containers.
Begin by simply allowing your children to explore the corn. With a little prompting from you, they will discover that the individual kernels of corn can be popped off quite easily.
This task supports fine motor development in young children. Sean was very devoted to removing each and every kernel from the cob.
Once your children have liberated a good amount of kernels from the cob, you may introduce the plastic cups. At this point it's great to simply stand back and let them figure out what to do.
Isabel quickly discovered that the kernels made a tapping/rattling noise when they dropped into the cup. She carefully began shaking the cup to make music. For children not as careful as Isabel, closed containers may be beneficial for shaking opportunities. Sean enjoyed the sound the kernels made as he dumped them from his cup into the larger tub.
This activity provides such a rich sensory experience, touching and feeling the corn, smelling the corn cobs and hearing them tap, tap against the plastic cups and container.
Unfortunately Isabel and Sean also felt the need to give this corn a taste too! They quickly decided that it was not for them. Isabel then discovered a new challenge: spitting the kernels into the cup. She had great aim!
Take advantage of nature's bounty this autumn and introduce your children to this fun sensory experience.
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