Description

One of the simplest methods to strengthen the Child’s fine motor muscles, is to introduce this 20ml syringe to them.  The Child must use greater manipulation with the larger syringes. The stronger suction pressure; exerted by these big syringes; makes it more difficult to draw back the plunger, and to depress it.  However, smaller syringes require more fine motor dexterity.

Features of the 20ml Syringe

• the direct objective is to-
  • pull the plunger out while the syringe is under water, draw water up into the syringe, and then depress the plunger to release it
• indirectly, the Child-
  • strengthens their hands while developing control, and coordination
  • improve their finger grip; known as the ‘pincer grip’, which is a pre-writing exercise
  • develops good bilateral coordination
• this activity provides good support material for the Montessori practical life curriculum

Activities related to the use of the Syringe

• transferring liquid from one container into another
  • use food colouring to make this activity more interesting
• water plants by transferring water from a jug into a vase with a narrow neck
• transfer a predetermined amount of water; using the measurements on the side of the syringe as a guide; into a small container, such as a bowl or a tray that hold ice-cubes.  This is for the more advanced Child.

Size of the 20ml Syringe

• length – with the plunger depressed – 12cm / (4¾”)
• circumference – 7cm / (2¾”)
• volume – 20ml / (¾”)

Related Products

• The mini white bowl is the perfect size for the advanced activity of transferring a predetermined volume of liquid.
• To present the activity to the Child, load the product required; to complete the work; onto a small tray.

Further Reading and Resources

1. Why handwork is an essential element of cosmic education, written by Montessori Handwork.com

2. Montessori activity: mixing colours with a syringe, written by the Family FECS.com