Montessori Monday: Beginner Pin Puncher Work

I finally introduced pin punching. It's supposed to be a pre-scissor tool for young ones as well as good for improving fine motor skills. Apparently, according to Our Montessori Story, Laura from My Montessori Journey told her that actual size push pins (not the jumbo ones) are best for hands that have not mastered the pincer grip. Koko still struggles with holding a pencil properly so this applies to her. I wish I knew this before I went and purchased the nice wooden puncher from Montessori Services. I also bought some mini cork tiles which work in a pinch, but pins go through a piece of felt much smoothly. (I find that pins stick to cork) Because Easter is coming up, I traced the oval shape from the metal insets. Which reminds me that I need to prepare for Easter. I swear, I'm always a few seasons behind.

My two year old enjoys punching. Just not on the line.

My four year old understood the concept of punching the line, but had difficulty punching close together.

After having a go with it around the outline, she decided to punch holes in the middle and make horizontal lines with the puncher. I guess she's ready for scratch art.

We still punched out an egg! Since we're new to this, I would appreciate any tips and suggestions. And if I ever do anything incorrectly, please correct me!