Locks and Keys

Locks and Keys
Practical Life - Fine Motor Skills
Level	Primary
Materials	3 padlocks keys

The purpose of this activity is to teach the child to open a lock with a key.

Presentation

1. Take the work to a table or mat. If at a table, unroll a table mat.

   

2. Arrange the locks on the mat under the basket.

   

3. step three

   

4. step four

   

Variations and Extensions

Variations

• Different sizes of padlocks could be used.
• The locks and keys could have stickers or paint showing which key goes with which lock.
• The locks could be holding something shut.

Extensions

• A similar activity could be done with a combination lock. The child must already be familiar with numerals and the difference between left and right (clockwise and counterclockwise). The combination could be written on a slip of paper and taped to the tray.

Material

• This was a collection of locks found in the garage:

  
  

  Source: Little Schoolhouse in the Suburbs

• This is the same as in the presentation but on a tray:

  

  Source: Little Schoolhouse in the Suburbs