Squeeze It
Using Droppers with Tiny Hands
Turkey basters and eye droppers are perfect tools for practicing fine motor skills. They are also great for learning to focus and look closely at something.
- Audience
- Caregiver
- Subject
- Fine Motor Skill Development
- Age
- KindergartenPre-KPreschoolToddler
- Languages
- EnglishSpanish
- Materials
- Cups , dot sticker, eye dropper , half sheet of paper, mini beach ball, straw, tape, turkey baster, wax paper
The Basics
Help your child learn to use these tools. Consider starting with the turkey baster. Then, try the eye dropper. Use a bowl of water and show them how to:
- Insert the tip of the tool below the surface of the water.
- Use their hand or fingers to squeeze the bulb (watch for bubbles!).
- Release the bulb lightly—water should move up into the tube.
- Lift the tip of the tool above the water.
- Release water one drop at a time or quickly to make a squirt.
Tool Tips
Turkey basters and eye droppers push out air or water when they are squeezed, so make a rule that the tip of the tool should not be pointed at anyone’s eyes or ears. Set rules for using these tools with water (like no squirting towards a person). For all water activities, make sure you supervise your child and empty the water when you’re done.
Things to Try with 2 to 3-Year Olds
Things to Try with 3 to 5-Year Olds
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