Carrying a Jug

Material
A table and a jug of water

Presentation

Introduction

Prepare a jug filled halfway with water. Place it on a child's table. Invite 3-4 children to come participate in your lesson by telling them you have something to show them. Show each child where exactly to sit and once the children are seated, you sit so that you can see them all, they all can see you, and yet you are not in front of them. Call their attention to the jug of water on the table and tell them that you are going to show them how to carry a jug of water.

Lifting

1. Stand so that the table is a little closer than arms’ length and so that the jug is sitting in front of you.
2. Bend your knees.
3. Wrap your four right fingers around the handle of the jug.
4. Place your right thumb on the top of the handle.
5. Cup your left hand around the bottom part of the jug under the spout of the jug.
6. As you straighten your knees, slowly pick up the jug of water.
7. Bring jug near to your body so that it is about at stomach level.
8. Walk carefully around a designated space all the while checking that the walkway is clear of obstacles.
9. Come back to the spot of the demonstration.

Setting Down

1. Bend you knees.
2. Slowly lower the jug towards the tabletop.
3. Place the point of the bottom of the jug nearest your body down first.
4. Silently place the opposite side of the jug down as well.
5. Undo your grasp of your cupped left hand.
6. Lift your right thumb off the top of the handle.
7. Remove your four right fingers from around the handle.
8. Straighten your knees and bring your body to erect position.

Offer each child the opportunity to pick up and carry the jug.

Purpose

Direct: Growth in independence with regard to the performance of the movements necessary for the carrying and placing of the jug without spilling any water and damaging himself, others, or the jug. 
 
Indirect: Coordination of the child’s movement, development of the muscles, and concentration.

Points of Interests
Looking at the water level as they are walking to see how much the water is moving around the jug.

Age
2 1/2 - 3 1/2 years

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