We have been given a load of tennis balls, which have turned into greedy monsters to be spoon fed beads and lentils! Some children tried out this very tricky task, holding and squeezing the ball with one hand to keep its mouth open while scooping up beads with a spoon, then emptying it into the ball. This was great fun, especially when the monster was full and threw up its bellyful of beads. 

Your child is going to bring home one of these monsters in the next few days. Try feeding it at home. This will strengthen your child's muscles in their hands, it promotes good dexterity and hand-eye co-ordination, and can turn into some spontaneous imaginative play, too - who knows what other creatures are hiding in your pantry and need feeding?