Three Jars, Three Lids
Three Jars, Three Lids is a calm fine motor activity for toddlers aged 28–36 months (corrected age). Your child works out which lid fits which of three plastic jars and twists each one on, combining size matching with the turning motion lids need. It takes 5–10 minutes, needs 2 minutes of prep and works indoors.
Updated
Three Jars, Three Lids
Your child works out which lid fits which of three plastic jars and twists each one on, combining size matching with the turning motion lids need.
- Ages (corrected)
- 28–36 months
- Time
- 5–10 min
- Prep
- 2 min prep
- Where
- Indoors · Calm
You need
- 3 clean plastic jars of clearly different sizes, with their screw lids
Steps
- Line up the three jars with their lids off and mixed up in a pile.
- Try the biggest lid on the smallest jar and say "Too big!", then twist it onto the right jar.
- Unscrew it again, hand the pile over and wait while your child tries.
- If a lid will not go on, wait a moment before saying "Hmm, try another jar."
- When all three are closed, let your child open them again for the next round.
Safety first
- Use plastic jars only, never glass, and check the lid edges for sharp spots.
- Choose jars whose lids are too big to fit through a toilet-paper tube.
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: tries a lid on a jar and switches after a misfit.
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: use only two jars of very different sizes.
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: picks the matching lid on the first try.
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: use three jars that are closer in size.
Change only that one thing and keep everything else the same.
Ready for one step up
Use three jars that are closer in size. Or carry it somewhere new: match lids to storage containers while unpacking the dishwasher with another caregiver.
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: use only two jars of very different sizes.
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 Three Jars, Three Lids
5 steps, about 5–10 minutes of focus time, 2 minutes of prep.
-
Line up the three jars with their lids off and mixed up in a pile.
-
Try the biggest lid on the smallest jar and say "Too big!", then twist it onto the right jar.
-
Unscrew it again, hand the pile over and wait while your child tries.
-
If a lid will not go on, wait a moment before saying "Hmm, try another jar."
-
When all three are closed, let your child open them again for the next round.
What you need for Three Jars, Three Lids
| What you need | 3 clean plastic jars of clearly different sizes, with their screw lids |
|---|---|
| Prep | 2 minutes of prep |
| Focus time | 5–10 minutes |
| Where | Indoors |
| Energy | Calm: good after active play or before a nap |
| Ages (corrected) | 28–36 months |
| Domains | Fine motor, Early concepts, Cognitive |
| Fits the day | On a rainy day indoors or as a quiet moment |
Easier and harder versions
Change one thing at a time. Drop to the easier version when Three Jars, Three Lids stalls; move one rung up only once it looks easy on a few different days.
-
Easier
Use only two jars of very different sizes.
-
As written
The 5 steps above, for 5–10 minutes.
-
Harder 1
Use three jars that are closer in size.
-
Harder 2
Add a fourth jar and lid.
-
Hardest
Put every lid on loosely and ask your child to tighten them all.
What to watch for
The signs of progress in Three Jars, Three Lids, 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: tries a lid on a jar and switches after a misfit. |
| 3 · Independent | Does it when offered, with no demonstration. Watch for: picks the matching lid on the first try and turns the lid in the closing direction. |
| 4 · Spontaneous | Starts it unprompted or in a new place. Watch for: uses words such as big, little or fits. |
Try it somewhere new
Level 4 means the skill travels. Once Three Jars, Three Lids is easy, change the place, the person or the material:
- Match lids to storage containers while unpacking the dishwasher with another caregiver.
- Match lids to cold pots and pans of different sizes.
Words to model
During Three Jars, Three Lids, say “too big”, “too small”, “fits” and “turn” 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 Three Jars, Three Lids
- Use plastic jars only, never glass, and check the lid edges for sharp spots.
- Choose jars whose lids are too big to fit through a toilet-paper tube.
Why it works
Twisting things such as lids is on CDC's 30-month checklist; pairing each lid with its jar adds size matching, which is enrichment rather than a milestone.
Evidence rating: Consensus: sensible practice in line with pediatric guidance. Cited: CDC milestone checklists by age and AAP clinical report: Selecting Appropriate Toys for Young Children in the Digital Era (Pediatrics, 2019).
Skills and ages
Three Jars, Three Lids practises twisting lids and knobs, matching and size words and fits ages 28 to 36 months. Each month below opens more activities for that age.
Skills practised
Activities by month (28–36 months)
Milestone checklists nearby
Activities like Three Jars, Three Lids
Nature Jar Lid Twist is the closest match: it also practises twisting lids and knobs and it uses the same plastic food containers. It suits 22–32 months, takes 3–8 minutes (a little shorter than Three Jars, Three Lids) and needs no prep. For a younger child, Which Lid Fits? Container Match starts at 20 months.
Ranked by shared skills, materials and ages
Frequently asked questions
What age is Three Jars, Three Lids for?
Three Jars, Three Lids suits 28–36 months, using corrected age for a child born early. For a younger or hesitant child, start with the easier version: use only two jars of very different sizes.
How long does Three Jars, Three Lids take?
About 5–10 minutes of focused play over 5 steps, with 2 minutes of prep. Stop while it is still fun and repeat it on another day.
How do I make Three Jars, Three Lids harder?
Change one thing at a time. First: use three jars that are closer in size. Then: add a fourth jar and lid. Hardest: put every lid on loosely and ask your child to tighten them all.
How do I keep Three Jars, Three Lids safe?
Play it only with an adult within arm’s reach. Use plastic jars only, never glass, and check the lid edges for sharp spots. Choose jars whose lids are too big to fit through a toilet-paper tube.
Related
More with the same materials
Seasonal ideas for 2-year-olds
Monitoring, not medical advice. Talk to your pediatrician about any concern. Our sources and method.