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Help me to do it myself - pouring a drink

Pouring a drink at 13 months.

I thought twice about posting this. I was worried you might think I'm crazy. I know there were more than a few raised eyebrows when I wrote about Otis preparing his own snack. But you know this is a Montessori blog, don't be surprised by Montessori posts. When I've gone though my Montessori texts I've seen children much younger pour themselves a drink. No shock in seeing Otis do it. This goes to the heart of Montessori "help me to do it myself". Often Montessori goes against societal norms. 

I didn't introduce this to Caspar until he was around eighteen months old. Caspar couldn't do it. He just couldn't get the water in his glass. One day I was watching Edison's Day. I think in the video Edison is around eighteen months old and I noticed the size of his jug, it was tiny. I went home gave Caspar a smaller jug, actually this exact one Otis is using and wow straight away Caspar could do it. It was a revelation - size does matter!! I would have given Otis a smaller jug if I could find one. I couldn't even find a suitable milk creamer which are often a good size for beginners. 

This was the first time I have shown this to Otis. It was pure joy. He did it over and over and over. Pure joy! He drank a lot of water and got very wet in the process. 

A couple of things to note;

  • Otis has been using a glass for over six months. He can pick up, move, hold, put down and drink from a glass comfortably. This isn't a good time to introduce a glass for the first time. If you are already using plastic cups there is no harm in trying this with a plastic jug. Otis didn't even think about throwing the jug, he treated it with care as he does the glass.
  • I had a small sponge on the table for Otis to help clean up spills. Although he tried I mostly used a tea towel to clean up, there was a lot of water spilt. 
  • I had a larger jug on the table for me to refill his jug. I only put a small amount of water in his jug each time. This saves me getting up for fresh water every time. Guaranteed if you try this at home your child will want more than one drink.
  • I allowed every spill. I didn't make a fuss and simply cleaned up. Otis poured himself many drinks, the last time he picked up his glass he deliberately poured it over himself. This indicated to me the activity was over, his concentration was broken. I love water play and it has it's place which is not at the table. 

Using a jug at thirteen months.

Otis drinking 13 months.

He has perfected the one handed drink. 

Otis drinking from glass at 13 months

I know there will be a few people who try this at home. The photograph below is for you. It's one of Otis's first attempts. Yes, he missed the glass entirely. Don't feel discouraged, it only took him a couple of tries before he got it.  

Otis pouring 13 months.

Happy pouring!

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