Packaging eggs is a basic skill and it reminds me of the beauty and simplicity of the Montessori method. This simplicity often seems to take us back in time to a more simple way of life. It’s the enjoyment of the simple things, moving a little slower, and allowing children time to take their time, perfect their skills, and concentrate. This activity is even more attractive if you purchase some brown eggs or even have the opportunity to allow children to go and collect eggs if you know someone with backyard chickens. The eggs in the pictures here are from my own backyard chickens. It is a popular hobby. If you ask around, you may find someone who has chickens that would welcome the opportunity to share the experience with children.

 

Materials Needed

• A Basket Lined with a Kitchen Towel
• One Dozen Fresh Eggs (Not Cooked)
• An Egg Carton
• Kitchen Towel or Mat

 

Presentation and Activity:

Demonstrate for the children how to carefully handle the eggs. Carefully place up one egg and place it in an indention in the carton. Repeat with all 12 eggs until the carton is filled. Then demonstrate how to close and latch the egg carton.

After completing this part of the activity, demonstrate for the child how to open the carton. Next, carefully pick up each egg and gently set it back inside the basket. The children can repeat the activity as much as they would like.

This activity requires fine motor skills along with both care and careful concentration. It can be expected that mistakes will be made and eggs will be broken. This is considered a logical consequence. From the experience the child will learn greater care and concentration in an effort to not break the eggs.

This is a wonderful and traditional Montessori activity with real world applications and consequences. Knowing some eggs will likely be broken, take additional steps in preparation for this activity. Place the activity in an area which can be easily cleaned. This includes both the work surface and the floor. Placing the activity on a washable mat or towel helps make clean up of any mistakes easier. In addition, have more eggs and towels available in case of breakages.

 

You can find many more activities in the book which is available at Amazon.com. Direct links to all of the books are on the page labeled “Dr. Andrea’s Books.”