Butterfly Pushpins 

This is a fun way to introduce push pinning to your toddler but with a fun twist. Instead of pricking the outline of a shape on paper, we started simply by practicing the action of pushing the pin into the styrofoam base in the shape of a butterfly. I drew the dots to guide A. She was 2 years and 2 months when I first introduced this activity to her.

It was super easy to set up and she really enjoyed it!

You will need:

– a styrofoam base in whichever shape you prefer

– container with pushpins

– marker (to make the dots)

Because it was our first time using pushpins in an activity, I took my time at the beginning to explain to A that they are sharp objects. I was surprised by how gentle she was after that. She kept looking at me and saying “sharp”.

I put only the necessary amount of pushpins in the bowl and I also taped the butterfly to the tray so it wouldn’t move while she was working.

Pin Pushing is part of the Montessori Primary (3-6) curriculum in the sensory area, but if your child is ready, you can introduce it earlier in a modified way such as the one I’m sharing here. 

This activity is a great way for children to practice:

📌 pincer grasp (helps develop the muscles for writing and drawing)

📌 fine motor skills 

📌 hand-eye coordination 

📌 spatial awareness

📌 concentration

It is also a great way to introduce various subjects. In this case, because it was Spring, I chose to talk about butterflies.

Be sure to supervise your child 100% of the time. Even though A handled the activity really well, toddlers like to explore and test limits and I wouldn’t risk her hurting herself. I put away the pushpins once the activity was finished and let her know that anytime she wants to do it, she just needs to ask me. She did this particular activity many times afterwards. At 4 years old, pin pushing is actually one of her favorites activities!