Muffin Pan Sorting Activity

Materials:

• Muffin Pan
• Objects that will fit in the muffin holes of pan that are baby/toddler appropriate

Before trying to do anything structured with the child, let the child explore the objects.  When your child is ready, demonstrate putting objects in and taking objects out of the pan.  Say what you are doing while demonstrating.  Let the child put objects in the holes and take the objects out of the holes after you have demonstrated.  Ask the child to put an object in or take an object out and praise the child as he or she follows your directions.  You can introduce colors, shapes, etc as your child plays.  As your child advances and understands colors, shapes, etc., you can ask the child only to sort by a certain type of color, shape, etc.  (Activity adapted from http://www.sugaraunts.com/2012/10/baby-play-aka-brain-building.html)

My review of activity:

Age of child:  11 months

My daughter was most intrigued by being able to play with the pan.  She enjoyed putting her hands as well as the objects in and out of the pans.  I told her the colors and names of the objects while she played.  She loved the noises she could make while playing with the pan and objects.  She also enjoyed flipping the pan over.  I would recommend this activity as it kept my baby occupied for about ten minutes.  She continued to play with the muffin pan as she played with other toys throughout the day. I will do this activity with my daughter again.