This rubber band puzzle tray makes snack time a little more interesting. Riley was so focused and intent during snack time as she figured out how to get each puff. This activity was inspired by the Play At Home Mummy. This puzzle tray bumps snack time into a learning experience.
##What baby learns...##
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Problem solving skills - Baby has to figure out how to navigate in and out of the rubber bands to grab the puffs. This will take some trial and error as she figures out the best way and place to stick her hand in.
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Fine motor skills - The pinching and grabbing that comes with picking up items is great for developing this skill.
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Hand Eye Coordination - Baby needs to watch out for obstacles and navigate her hand in response to getting stuck.
But this activity isn't limited to just snack time. You can place tiny items such as pom poms in the tray for baby to grasp and free. On a larger scale, you can use a medium size laundry basket or milk crate. Use string to make a crisscross pattern in the middle, and place larger objects inside. This would encourage gross motor development as baby moves around the basket and reaches down to grab the different items.
###Safety First### If using rubber bands, be sure to use fresh ones. Clean and inspect them to make sure they are fully intact before using. Riley enjoyed pulling on her rubber bands, and you don’t want them to snap as baby is pulling. As always, be sure to closely supervise all these activities.
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