Creative self-play ideasFrom using Everyday Kitchen Items

Dheepthi Samidurai
Oct 15
2 min read

Updated: Oct 16

Self-play Activity 1: Pouring Practice

By Parenting with Dipti (Montessori-Certified Parent Support and Counsellor)

💡 Why Sensorial Play Matters

“The hands are the instruments of a child’s intelligence.” — Maria Montessori

Sensorial play is essential for children as it helps develop focus, curiosity, and emotional regulation. Through tactile experiences, children engage deeply with their environment, fostering growth and understanding.

🧺 Before You Begin: Setup Essentials

Mat / Absorbent Cloth – defines the play area, catches spills
Pitcher / Small Jug – for pouring activities
Sponge / Cloth – for wiping up spills
Large Tray (15" or more)/ Bin – keeps materials contained and portable
(Optional) Small Bowls / Cups / Ramekins – for pouring, and holding materials
(Optional) Apron - to keep the child dry

Links to buy the above items

Items	Dimensions	Links to buy	Image
Mat / Absorbent Cloth - 1 Per tray	70 cm * 10 cm	Buy here
Pitcher / Small Jug - 2 per tray	250 ml - 600 ml	Buy here - Option 1 Option 2
Sponge / Cloth - 1 per tray		Buy here
Large Tray/ Bin - 1 per child	15" or more	Buy Here - Option 1 Option 2

Adult Help: Minimal supervision needed.

Age: 1 year and above

Setup: Place the pitcher and cups on a tray with a water-resistant mat underneath.

How to Play:

Encourage the child to pour water from the pitcher into the cups, promoting hand-eye coordination.
Show only once how to pour, then step back
Allow the child to play however they want

Additional Tips:

Kids will put different items into the Bin - Teach them that only plastic stuff can go in, no wooden materials allowed (This is a great chance teach them about what each item is made of)
If the child is 2 years-old or less than 2 then put on an apron on the child