Colander Straw Poke
Colander Straw Poke is a calm fine motor activity for toddlers aged 18–28 months (corrected age). Your child pushes whole drinking straws through the holes of an upside-down colander, practising a precise aim, a pinch grip and two hands working together. It takes 5–10 minutes, needs no prep and works indoors.
Updated
Colander Straw Poke
Your child pushes whole drinking straws through the holes of an upside-down colander, practising a precise aim, a pinch grip and two hands working together.
- Ages (corrected)
- 18–28 months
- Time
- 5–10 min
- Prep
- No prep
- Where
- Indoors · Calm
You need
- a plastic colander
- 6-10 thick reusable or paper drinking straws
Steps
- Turn the colander upside down on the table and seat your child in front of it.
- Push one straw into a hole slowly and say "Poke."
- Hand over a straw and wait; let your child hunt for a hole.
- If the straw misses, point at a hole instead of moving their hand.
- Pull the straws out together at the end: "Out, out, out."
Safety first
- Use whole, thick straws; never cut pieces, pipe cleaners with wire ends or dry spaghetti that snaps into bits.
- Keep your child seated so a straw is never in the mouth while walking.
No level picked yet. The 0–4 scale is a learning log, not a test.
Not yet: show it once, then let them explore
Watch for the first sign: lines the straw tip up with a hole.
Not yet is information, not a verdict. Do it once yourself while they watch, pause, and offer it again in a few days.
Simplify one step
Next time: start each straw partly in a hole so your child only pushes it down.
Give the least help that works: wait first, then point or show, and guide hands only briefly.
Repeat the same version and fade your help
As you step back, watch for: uses one hand to steady the colander.
Pause a few seconds longer before you model, and swap showing it for a point or a gesture.
Offer it once more, then add one change
When it is easy again: turn the colander on its side so your child aims sideways.
Change only that one thing and keep everything else the same.
Ready for one step up
Turn the colander on its side so your child aims sideways. Or carry it somewhere new: push straws into holes poked in an upturned cardboard box.
Starting it on their own or using it in a new place is the strongest sign. Still change one thing at a time.
Stop and rest this one
In 2-3 days, come back with the simpler version: start each straw partly in a hole so your child only pushes it down.
End with something calming together. One hard moment never means a delay.
Stop on a good note
Keep this version and keep it short next time: 5 minutes is plenty.
They can do it, but it was not fun today. Add difficulty only once it feels easy and enjoyable again.
How to play Colander Straw Poke
5 steps, about 5–10 minutes of focus time, no prep.
-
Turn the colander upside down on the table and seat your child in front of it.
-
Push one straw into a hole slowly and say "Poke."
-
Hand over a straw and wait; let your child hunt for a hole.
-
If the straw misses, point at a hole instead of moving their hand.
-
Pull the straws out together at the end: "Out, out, out."
What you need for Colander Straw Poke
| What you need | A plastic colander and 6-10 thick reusable or paper drinking straws |
|---|---|
| Prep | No prep |
| Focus time | 5–10 minutes |
| Where | Indoors |
| Energy | Calm: good after active play or before a nap |
| Ages (corrected) | 18–28 months |
| Domains | Fine motor, Cognitive |
| Low-prep menu | Yes: no prep and 10 minutes or less |
| Fits the day | As a quiet moment or on a rainy day indoors |
Easier and harder versions
Change one thing at a time. Drop to the easier version when Colander Straw Poke stalls; move one rung up only once it looks easy on a few different days.
-
Easier
Start each straw partly in a hole so your child only pushes it down.
-
As written
The 5 steps above, for 5–10 minutes.
-
Harder 1
Turn the colander on its side so your child aims sideways.
-
Harder 2
Use only the smaller holes near the rim.
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Hardest
Use straws in two colours and ask for the red ones first.
What to watch for
The signs of progress in Colander Straw Poke, mapped to the 0–4 learning scale the family plan uses (a tracking aid, not an assessment).
| Level | What it looks like here |
|---|---|
| 2 · After a model | Does it right after you show it or point. Watch for: lines the straw tip up with a hole. |
| 3 · Independent | Does it when offered, with no demonstration. Watch for: uses one hand to steady the colander and pushes straws in without help. |
| 4 · Spontaneous | Starts it unprompted or in a new place. Watch for: pulls the straws out and starts again. |
Try it somewhere new
Level 4 means the skill travels. Once Colander Straw Poke is easy, change the place, the person or the material:
- Push straws into holes poked in an upturned cardboard box.
- Let another caregiver offer the game with wooden spoons dropped handle-first into a tall jar.
Words to model
During Colander Straw Poke, say “poke”, “in”, “out” and “hole” at the moment they happen, one at a time, then pause so your child can answer with a look, a gesture, a sign or a word.
Safety for Colander Straw Poke
- Use whole, thick straws; never cut pieces, pipe cleaners with wire ends or dry spaghetti that snaps into bits.
- Keep your child seated so a straw is never in the mouth while walking.
Why it works
AAP's toy report notes that household objects and simple manipulatives support fine-motor and problem-solving play, especially with an engaged adult nearby.
Evidence rating: Good: published guidance supports the approach. Cited: AAP clinical report: Selecting Appropriate Toys for Young Children in the Digital Era (Pediatrics, 2019).
Skills and ages
Colander Straw Poke practises posting objects and problem solving and fits ages 18 to 28 months. Each month below opens more activities for that age.
Skills practised
Activities by month (18–28 months)
Milestone checklists nearby
Activities like Colander Straw Poke
Lid Slot Posting Tub is the closest match: it also practises posting objects and problem solving. It suits 13–22 months, takes 5–10 minutes (about as long as Colander Straw Poke) and needs 5 minutes of prep. For a younger child, Tissue Box Scarf Pull and Stuff starts at 12 months; for an older child, Nature Jar Lid Twist runs to 32 months.
Ranked by shared skills, materials and ages
Frequently asked questions
What age is Colander Straw Poke for?
Colander Straw Poke suits 18–28 months, using corrected age for a child born early. For a younger or hesitant child, start with the easier version: start each straw partly in a hole so your child only pushes it down.
How long does Colander Straw Poke take?
About 5–10 minutes of focused play over 5 steps, with no prep. Stop while it is still fun and repeat it on another day.
How do I make Colander Straw Poke harder?
Change one thing at a time. First: turn the colander on its side so your child aims sideways. Then: use only the smaller holes near the rim. Hardest: use straws in two colours and ask for the red ones first.
How do I keep Colander Straw Poke safe?
Play it only with an adult within arm’s reach. Use whole, thick straws; never cut pieces, pipe cleaners with wire ends or dry spaghetti that snaps into bits. Keep your child seated so a straw is never in the mouth while walking.
Related
More with the same materials
Seasonal ideas for 18-month-olds
Monitoring, not medical advice. Talk to your pediatrician about any concern. Our sources and method.