This activity was the main culprit for getting us stained. :-) But it's well worth the mess. It's one of those activities the kids love to do over and over. The children cut out a large shamrock and we made green bubble prints on the shape. What child does not like to blow bubbles?
It's wise to practice blowing through a straw. Yes, there was a couple that got a green tongue and tasted a wee bit of soap...but really, they only do it once. It's relatively harmless. Just water, food coloring and soap. Be sure to use a tray/pan underneath your bowl, as you can see the bubbles do tend to erupt over top so you don't want to have to worry about it. Since it has a soap inside, the food coloring washes off the tray very easily. Use LOTS of food coloring for a bolder color.
Another favorite and if you can believe it, we didn't do it all winter! My eyedroppers seem to have found a new home somewhere other than where they should be. Not surprising if you have ever seen my computer/work/storage room! So looking for something else I stumbled across some more. :-) That's a nice thing about a large set. Mine are plastic and are the "old version" with the black stoppers. You can still get them at www.discountschoolsupply.com in a set of 12. I prefer them over some of the newer "one piece" droppers.
I love to hear their excitement when they have made a new color. Of course, they all tried to make green first because that is what we were focusing on. Most made "snow cones". Eyedroppers are great for fine motor!
I really wanted to offer Incredible Foam this morning (it was green :-P) but unfortunately I could not find it...though I did find the eyedroppers! I'm sure it'll show here soon now that I'm wondering where it's at. So we did playdough again, child choice. :-) Chose a tool we don't often use and added a ruler to encourage measurement. The younger ones don't usually use it unless it's suggested. However, my oldest student is beginning to show more self-direction (which is something I look for in my preschoolers...and usually see at then end of 4 years beginning of 5 years) and he was quick to use that ruler without me saying a word as well as using the sticks for nonstandard measurement.
Tip: Provide them with two colors of playdough because often they can't refrain from mixing them together and that really gets them using the muscles in their hands!
A switch from the easel today. Definitely was messier than an easel but that allowed for them to take responsibility for their own mess! ;-) I thank Melaleuca for providing family safe cleaners that actually do an excellent job! The children learn life-long practical skills.
"Hey, your tongue still green?"
They did enjoy the switch to sitting and painting at the door. (Excuse the mess outside, our lovely "puppy" has made a disaster of our yard.) I do want to remind you all though that standing at a wall or easel is excellent for writing as well as for art work. It strengthens the shoulder muscles which in turn promotes stability and wrist position. This supports a proper/mature writing grasp.
For math, we did the shamrock addition that was mentioned in a recent blog.
I provided a small amount of dried beans in a bowl, to be used as manipulatives, and clipped eight clothespins around the edge.
Enjoy the beautiful weather! We plan on heading back out after a brief rest time today. Older kids are home from school, half day. Parent-teacher conferences. And we have the sand box cover off for the first time all winter! YIPPEE!
No comments:
Post a Comment