Shaving Cream in the Sensory Table!

 During Outside Time, children from the Bunny and Duck Rooms had a blast exploring with wet sponges and shaving cream in the sensory table. The activity piqued the interest of some of the parents so here are some pictures of the children having fun. In addition to being fun (and sometimes a little messy), sensory activities such as shaving cream, sand, or water play provide valuable opportunities for active learning to take place. Children learn about the world around them through play and exploration. Here are some of the things that toddlers can learn through sensory play:

• Approaches to Learning
• Initiative (Reaching for desired objects, expressing intentions)
• Problem solving with materials 

• Science and Technology
• Cause and effect ("What happens when I push the sponge across the shaving cream?")
• Using tools (such as sponges, cups, etc) while engaging in play.
• Using multiple senses to explore an object. ("How does shaving cream feel? How does it smell?")
• Observing and classifying (Experiencing "same & different")

• Mathematics 

• Measurement
• Filling and emptying
• Experiencing "more" 

• Creative Arts
• Visual Arts (Shaping shaving cream or using it to make marks)
• Pretend play (Pretending to clean the table with the sponges)

• Physical Development
• Fine Motor Skills
• Hand-Eye Coordination

• Social and Emotional Development
• Building relationships with adults & children
• Playing with others
• Expressing emotions

For more information about sensory play with toddlers and how families can use sensory activities at home, check out these links: Sensory Play: Early Exploration Through the Senses

Toddlers: Thinking and Learning

Look, Listen, Touch, Feel, Taste: The Importance of Sensory Play

Two special visitors on the Preschool Playground!

During Outside Time, a couple of mallard ducks (one male & one female) landed on the Preschool Playground. We suspect that the ducks were looking for a place to nest. Apryl took pictures of the ducks (The ducks were a safe distance away from the children). This unexpected visit was a great learning opportunity for the children because they were able to observe the ducks for themselves. The children probably learned more about the ducks by observing them in their natural environment than they would have by reading about the ducks in a book or playing with a toy duck. That's one of the advantages of active learning!