Age: 2 1/2 to 5 years

GET READY: Buy a large bag of lentils (They’re located in the dried bean aisle at any grocery store and VERY inexpensive.). Get out a deep bowl or box (big enough to contain all of those lentils). Set out measuring cups, scoops or ladles.

GET SET: Put the lentils in the bowl or box. Lay measuring cups next to the box.

SIT BACK AND WATCH YOUR CHILD GO: With little or no demonstration from you, your young child will begin to explore this activity by sliding his hands into the container and experiencing the calming effect of the smooth, cool lentils.

AS YOUR CHILD GROWS: You may want to show him how good it feels to rub his hands together while they’re buried in the lentils. When he’s finished with simply feeling the lentils, he may want to scoop and pour them using the measuring cups and an additional container. Watch as your child develops independence, concentration and coordination. Watch also the calming effect that the smooth, cool lentils has on your child.

YOUR CHILD WILL LOVE: The smooth feeling of the lentils; hearing the sound the lentils make as he pours them from one container to another; the responsibility of pouring all by himself.

YOU WILL LOVE: Seeing your child relax and calm himself.