When it comes to toddler activities, simple is the best. And making bean cupcakes is super super simple, yet also very engaging!
Bean cupcakes Toddler Activity
My youngest is two years old, exactly the age when I started regularly doing “toddler activities” with my oldest.
This bean cupcakes activity relies on a toddler’s love of transferring objects from one container to another.
Transfer activities are an old favorite in our household, and although Elena is now four, she will still join in when she sees her little sister playing with this.
How to Set Up THe Bean Cupcakes Activity
For this toddler transfer activity, you will need
- a muffin tin
- bowls, cups, or jars
- dried beans (a variety of colors and sizes is nice to have, but not necessary)
- spoons
- a baking sheet, tray, or sensory bin
Place the beans in a bowl. If you have different varieties, you can put them in separate bowls.
I used green split peas and something called cranberry beans. I must confess, I bought them because they were pretty.
Put the bowl of beans on the baking sheet along with a muffin tin and spoons.
I also provided a tall jar and funnel, but that is completely optional.
Next, let your child explore as you supervise nearby!
How We Played with Bean Cupcakes
The first thing Lia did was combine the beans. It’s always the first thing my kids do when they see two colors of something. Popcorn kernels, pom poms, play dough….
Next she used her wooden measuring spoons to scoop the beans into the jar.
I’m pretty sure she is right-handed, but she does like to try using her left hand at times.
Using a spoon in play is great practice for using a spoon to eat with at mealtimes. If your child could use more practice with utensils, make forks and spoons part of your sensory playtime.
Lia also enjoyed pouring the beans out of the jar into the muffin tin.
It was a little difficult for her to maneuver the taller jar, not knowing how quickly the beans would come out, what angle to hold the jar, etc.
Pouring beans is a great way to practice this motion.
The second or third time we did this activity, I encouraged Lia to sort the beans in the muffin tin.
There are only two types of beans and they look very different from each other, so it was easy to introduce the concept of sorting and for her to “get it.”
She actually stuck with this for a long while. We had almost gotten all the beans sorted before the compulsion to mix the beans together took over again.
Different Ways to Play
And yes, I did say the “second or third time we did this” because once we started this activity we couldn’t stop!
Lia played with these dried beans almost every day for a whole week. I put it away for a while, then brought it back out and it was still a big hit.
To change it up, I would recommend swapping out the tools or containers.
Maybe add a funnel. You can make one easily by cutting the top off a plastic water bottle.
Add a stack of cupcake liners for your child to peel apart and line the muffin tin with. This is great fine motor practice for those little fingers!
Or maybe instead of spoons, provide a ladle or tongs.
If you look around your kitchen, you’ll find tons of different things that can be used for toddler play.
Remember to choose things that are appropriate for your child and to supervise!
I allowed Lia to use a heavy glass jar for this activity, but I’ve also been working on helping her understand that glass is breakable and that broken glass is very dangerous.
Please be safe and only allow play with things that you are comfortable to let your child use!
I hope these tips and ideas help you keep your toddler entertained this week!
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