[Warning! I have just learned that raw kidney beans are poisonous and should not be used for a bean tub. If you are using raw kidney beans, get rid of them immediately and get a different type of bean! -Mikki]

This past week, I knew I was facing a bunch of rainy, stuck in the house days. Right away, I went through the toy closet and picked out some new things are some activities I don’t get out often. Then, while I was looking through my pantry, an idea struck me: it was time to make an easy Montessori bean tub.

I happened to have a bag of dried beans that I bought with good intentions and then never ended up cooking. They were perfect for this activity. I rounded up some scoops and containers and let Mac explore her bean tub.

So what did I use to make this bean tub experience the best it could be for both toddler and mommy? I found things to rein in the mess. I was creative with my scoops and containers. Then I reminded myself to step back and let Mac take the lead.

Less Mess Bean Tub

The first concern when making a bean tub is how to contain all of the beans! In the toddler room, we used a large plastic tote set on top of a quilt. At my own house, I have used a plastic baby pool and a small plastic tub inside. In a pinch, I have also used a cake pan. Different sized containers will mean the experience will be different each time.

Scoops and Containers

This is probably the easiest part of this activity. I looked through the toy closet and my kitchen and found lots of scoops and containers that Mac could use in the bean tub. One of my favorite places to find small containers is the dollar store. The white bucket in the picture above was supposed to be for wedding favors. It was a package of three white buckets with handles that came with some tulle and bows. It is the perfect size for a toddler bean tub.

Easy things to use in the bean tub:

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small glass jars (like baby food jars or small glass ketchup jars)
• Travel sized containers (I have ones for cotton swabs that are great!)
• Muffin tins (a fun place to scoop beans into)
• Small shovels or scoops

Relax Mom and Dad

I get it; a toddler and a bunch of dried beans could quickly turn into a big, messy disaster. But try to relax, sit back, and watch the learning happen. The first time I did this activity, I put everything into a big plastic pool. Just knowing that the mess was somewhat contained helped me to relax a little more.

Benefits of a Bean Tub

• Hand-eye coordination
• Small motor skills
• Sensory information from the beans
• Science of gravity and velocity
• Differences in volume of various containers

So, do you have a bean tub at your house? What kinds of scoops and containers do you have your child use with it? I’d love some new ideas!