Teaching Kids to Milk without a Critter

Once upon a time,

back when I taught preschool,

we were doing a 'farm unit.'

We live in a rural area so the children were aware

that milk came from cows (not all children know this.)

It somehow came up that I asked

how many of the children had ever seen a cow being milked

or even had the opportunity to try themselves.

None.

Me being me of course,

I asked if they would like to learn how to milk a cow.

You should have seen their little eye widen.

The next class-time was a lesson in milking.

Kids from other classes would come in and ask if they could try.

They milked the cow during free time.

Even the after school kids had fun giving it a whirl.

Isn't it ironic that a once dreaded chore was being sought after for fun?

The supplies are simple and cheap.

You'll need a latex/vinyl glove, a bit of string and water.

You only need one glove.

I got these (a pack of 10) at the dollar store - for $1.

Fill the glove with water then tie off like a water balloon.

Tie one end of the string to the knot on the glove.

Then hang it over the sink - 

if you want to do this in summer, you could just tie it to a tree branch outside.

Now choose a finger and using a pin or needle,

poke a hole in the tip of the finger

being careful not to tear it.

(Their little fingers will fit much better than mine.)

You are now set to teach the children how to milk.

They will first do just like they always do and squeeze the finger all at once

which produces no "milk."

It saves your critter from 'churning butter in the utter' as we call it.

It also renders the child much more knowledgeable and useful

when it comes to tending the animals. 

Have fun.

Until next time,
Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches