New Toddler Montessori Trays

Now that we're properly back in the swing of things and I have a plan, it's time for new choking hazards trays. (I joined a mailing list that hints that despite persistent Montessori protestations about their benefits, all of these activities cause child-care inspectors to fly off the handle. In some places, objects like the smallest box of the pink tower have been known inspire reprimands. I see both sides of the debate, but in this case I'm lucky that I can decide for myself about my son's likelihood of choking. For the record, he likes to tease me because he knows I'm neurotic about choking hazards, but none of this stuff is something I'd worry about with him at this age.) 

Anyway, for the current trays, I put together the following arrangements of junk from the garage:

• Baby-food jars and three colors of wall anchors for a sorting activity.
• A water bottle and a bundle of coffee stirrers for a modified "clothespin drop"
• Inspired by the success of the coffee pouring, dried kidney beans from the bulk bins at Sprouts, plus two Japanese teacups and a sugar spoon, for a scooping activity. The kiddo loves this one.

I love watching him work studiously at all these tasks--he takes it all seriously and it's adorable!