Pouring Using a Funnel

This practical life activity is designed for 3-6-year old children to teach them how to pour water using a funnel without spilling.

Children love playing with water. Children learn to estimate the exact amount of liquid flowing through the funnel through the activity with a funnel. This lesson helps the child perform day-to-day activities like pouring milk into small bottles/ containers independently and confidently.

Purpose of the Montessori Funnel Activity

The purpose of pouring using a funnel is to 

• Refine fine motor skills such as picking up a pitcher or a creamer and pouring it into another vessel. 
• Helps to bring stability and strength to their hand and arm muscles
• Teaches patience
• Develop attention, concentration, coordination, and independence.
• Develop strength in fingers
• Develop pincer grip
• Develop problem-solving skills 

Material Required for Pouring using a Funnel Activity

• Bottle with a narrow opening
• Pitcher filled with water
• Funnel
• Sponge to clean up spilled water

Control of Error

Marking on the slim neck container.

Points of Interest:

• Do not allow the funnel to knock into the heck of the bottle, place it in and out carefully
• The funnel will drip water onto the tray, but you can reduce the amount by wiping it

How to Introduce Pouring using a Funnel Activity to the Child?

• Invite the child to bring the funneling water activity to the table.
• Now introduce the child to a bottle, funnel, and pitcher.
• Hold the bottle with the dominant hand.
• With the non-dominant hand, pick and put the funnel inside the bottle keeping the spout down.
• Move the left thumb and index finger of the non-dominant hand, so that you hold the top of the funnel inside the neck of the bottle.
• Hold the jug with the dominant hand and start pouring water inside the funnel.
• Wait for the last drop to fall and put the empty pitcher back in the tray, as shown in the video.
• Wipe the spilled water, if any.
• The water is now transferred into the bottle using a funnel.
• Invite the child to repeat this activity.

Watch this video to see how to perform the funneling activity. Invite the child to pour water into the container using a funnel. Let the child perform daily activities at home and build confidence.

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Video created by: Strykun Olena