Cause-and-Effect with Packing Materials

 This week, the Toddler Bunnies explored with biodegradable packing materials (also known as "packing peanuts" that were left over from a package that was delivered that day. These packing "peanuts" (which do not contain peanuts at all) are made from corn. We started by placing the packing peanuts into a shallow container and allowing the children to explore with them. Soon, a few of the children discovered that they could break the packing peanuts in half, causing them to make a snapping sound.

Next, we offered the children nesting cups and empty plastic tubes (which were empty bubble containers). The children used the cups to scoop and empty the packing peanuts while others tried fitting the materials down the plastic tubes. After that, we added water to the tubes and watched the packing peanuts begin to "melt" in water. When we were ready to dispose of the packing peanuts, we brought them to the sink and ran warm water over them. The children watched the water cause the materials to get smaller, then dissolve.

How do packing peanuts feel?  

What happens when we put packing peanuts in water?

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!

Making Bubbles!

One of our Large Group activities this week was making bubble mix. First, we filled an empty 2-liter bottle with water. Next we added a small bottle of tear-free baby shampoo and about 2 tablespoons of corn syrup.

Next, we took turns giving the bottle a "shake-shake" to mix the ingredients.

 After that, we poured the bubble mix into the sensory table so we could play! Homemade bubbles are easy to make and last longer than some of the store-bought bubbles.

Zoe came to visit from the Duck Room. She enjoyed the bubbles!

Homemade Garlic Toast

 

Last week, we made Garlic Toast in the Lamb Room using fresh garlic harvested from our garden. The children took turns mixing the ingredients, brushing the garlic spread onto the bread, and sprinkling Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese onto their own piece of bread. 

Garlic Toast Recipe

1/2 stick of butter or margarine, slightly melted

2-3 cloves of minced garlic

Italian seasoning 

Parmesan cheese (optional)

Your choice of bread (we used hot dog buns)

1. Mix garlic and butter together. Place the bread on a baking sheet (line with parchment paper if desired).

2. Dip a pastry brush into the garlic butter mixture and brush each piece of bread.

3. Sprinkle the bread with Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese, if desired.

4. Bake at 450 F for 5-10 minutes. Let cool, then enjoy!

Fresh Garlic in the Garden!

 

During Outside Time yesterday evening, we harvested garlic bulbs from the Lamb Room garden. Several of the Lambs and Zebras watched in awe and helped carry them inside.

Ethan helped wash the dirt from the garlic.

Matasha cut off the tops and scrubbed them clean.

Garlic cloves.

We plan to make some tasty treats with the garlic. Yum!

A surprise guest!

We had a surprise visit from Jamie and her new baby, Hunter! We were very happy to see them!