Hammering a Nail Activity

This video lesson is designed for 3-6-year-old children to teach them one of the practical life skills: hammering. It guides a child on how to use a hammer.

What is Hammering?

Hammering is a fun activity introduced in Montessori schools. Children love banging and ‘fixing’ the surrounding things. It helps the child to provide a deeper understanding of tools as preschoolers.

It involves using a small hammer with a rubber or foam head and tapping on different surfaces, such as wood blocks, metal bars, plastic keys, and so on. In this way, a child can learn how to control their movements and improve their hand-eye coordination.

What is the Purpose of Teaching Hammering a Nail to a Child?

Teaching hammering a nail has many benefits for children.

It helps children develop the fine motor skills required to grasp nails and hammers.
It develops the movements and hand-eye coordination needed for manipulating a hammer and nail.
It teaches children about the importance of safety and following rules.
It also helps to develop persistence as the child learns to master the skill.
It helps a child to strengthen the hand to prepare for writing
It teaches them independence, focus, visual discrimination, and concentration.

Material Required for Hammering Activity

A working mat and tray
A wooden block to hammer nails
A hammer
3 small bowls, two containing the cutouts and one containing 4-5 nails

How to Introduce a Hammering Activity to the Child?

Invite the child to carry the tray to the working table.
Tell the child, “Today we are going to learn how to use a hammer and hammer a nail.”
Introduce the design cards or cutouts to the child and allow them to choose one of them.
After choosing, place the cutout on the wooden board.
Pick one nail and place it in between your index finger and thumb, and place it in the middle of the cutout.
While holding the hammer with your other hand, position the head of the hammer downwards.
Start tapping the head of the nail carefully using the hammer. Now tell the child, “can you see the nail going inside the board?”
After the nail takes in, remove your fingers and tap the nail in until it is completely inside the board.

Points of Interest:

Does the child grasp the nail near its head?
Does the child hold the hammer in the right direction?
Do they apply optimal force in driving the nail?
Does the child remove her fingers once the nail takes in?

Watch the video on hammering and encourage the child to use a hammer on different cutouts with safety.

FAQs

When should we introduce hammering a nail to a child?

You can teach hammering skills to a child of age 3-6 years. First, try with a toy hammer or child-size hammer keeping safety in mind. Once the skill is achieved and the child shows interest, move to the actual hammer.

What do children learn from hammering?

Hammering activity helps a child develop various skills such as hand-eye coordination, strengthening muscles, preparing a hand for writing, etc.

Is hammering a fine motor skill?

Yes, hammering helps in developing fine motor skills. It also teaches a child about safety and prepares children to do their daily household chores.