Cranberry Sensory & Fine Motor Skills

This activity is ridiculously easy to set up but can offer a lot in the way of helping to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. It is also a fun sensory activity that can keep your little one entertained for long periods of time--which, let's face it, is a blessing for any tired parent who can use a break!

Supplies:
A large bowl or a baby bathtub
A slotted spoon
A cup
Water
Whole cranberries

Fill the bowl (or tub) with water, dump in a bag of whole cranberries, and give your child the slotted spoon and cup. Have your child practice scooping the berries out of the bowl and into the cup. If your child is like mine and loves to fully submerge in sensory activities, don't be afraid to let them sit in the tub (if using one) and allow them to scoop and squish the berries with their hands. If you have a brave child who isn't afraid to try bold flavors, let them even taste the berries if they wish. It will be a good lesson in how different flavors can be before and after cooking them! ;)

**Since the berries can be a choking hazard, I do not recommend this activity for small children. My son did this when he was about two years old but at that point he had a strong understanding of choking hazards and how to be safe with small objects. This activity should be monitored by an adult at all times.