For some children, it is at least a two-stage process. First they scoop it into a container before they will pour it into a hole.
The video shows a very simple scheme, but some schemes get more involved with more steps. And as they go through this process, you start see they have worked out a plan of what works for their purposes.
They will use scoops, cups, spoons or whatever. If children want to pour, they will make almost anything functional for that purpose. They are true inventors.
Of course, if you put something in a hole, you HAVE to see where it goes.
With this apparatus, funnels foster even more play and exploration.
I always have funnels close at hand at the sensory table. Some of them fit nicely over the holes of this apparatus. When a child pours sand into a funnel, what happens? It no longer disappears immediately, but the narrowing of the funnel regulates the flow so it gradually disappears.
And if you look closely enough, it gradually disappears from the center. With a coarser sand, the flow may stop altogether. Then you have to figure out how to get it moving again.
Do you wiggle the funnel or do you poke something down the hole?
If you have a sand with a fine grain, you will not have to worry about the flow. If fact, you can use a smaller funnel. If you want, you can experiment with the flow of a smaller funnel into a larger funnel placed over two other funnels over one of the holes in the apparatus. That's a whole lot of fun...nels!
Part of the exploration with this apparatus happens on one of the levels mentioned here. The level in this case is the space under the apparatus. Take a look.