Learning Science Through Playful Opportunities

Finally able to catch up from last week's highlights. In order to better organize my time, I'm going to be posting 1-2 times (max) per week here since I want to be able to devote more time to the children's portfolios and learning stories. Even with Kellyann assisting, the portfolios have proved to be more time consuming than anticipated, however, I feel they, as well as the learning stories, are very important. And believe me, you will love them. =)

Some snippets from last week. I have photos from the T/TH group, however, I cannot find where I placed the photos on my computer! The hubby upgraded my computer, so everything is basically new and all my files were moved to my external hard drive, yet, I can't find the photos from that day. And I'm sure that was WAY more information than you needed. Heh!

Shaving Cream Exploration



The children dispensed their own shaving cream and we encouraged them to get as much as they wanted!
They drew designs and boy did they love getting messy.

We added colored water to our shaving cream and watched it transform colors. Science at work here.





Ms. Kellyann also joins in on the fun.


After exploring with her hands, Mia decided she wanted more of a full body exploration, so she took it to the next step. Literally.





Oh, and whatcha think of the new banner?

I couldn't remember for the life of me, how I created the previous banner, so I had to start over. I'm no graphic designer (I can't figure out how to get rid of the box that surrounds the banner) but thought these images gave a good representation of our program.

Light Table Exploration | Gelatin and Watercolors

Some snippets from today

Gelatin Molds ready for discovery


Injecting watercolor into molds



Full on Exploration







Isn't it beautiful?

Notes from the Sub

Since I had training (again) with the State, this time for childcare licensing for centers, Mama Melissa came in and subbed in the morning. *BTW, I have 3 backup mama substitutes for the house who are all CPR and First Aid certified. ;)


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Everything went great! We spent some time outside swinging, chasing balls, and investigating the broccoli, but not too long as it was pretty cold. Lots and lots of singing, playing drums, and dancing with the playsilks. We also read a lot of books - no surprise there! A particular favorite was Barnyard Dance - we read it a few times and acted everything out.

All three of them were really into the gelatin. They all started out pretty much the same and picked up on the concept of squirting the colored water in right away. But as they worked, they all went in different directions with it. Sophia methodically demolished hers, breaking it almost completely apart. Che broke some pieces out and experimented with how they changed colors as he put them into the different colors of water. Gwen pretty much stuck to squirting the water in from all different angles and seeing how it squirted out from the different holes she'd made in it.

We also played with the puzzles a bit - all three kids had a botanical puzzle to themselves. Every time Che got stuck, he said, "I need some help with myself."

At 11:50, Gwen declared that it was naptime, and Sophia heartily concurred. Che had no idea what was going on, but when he saw that the girls were determined to lie down, he wanted to join the fun. Of course Gwen the instigator hopped up and ate her afternoon snack while Sophia rested on her (or at least a) napmat, curled up with Puppy, and Che lay down and chattered about the fish. But hey, they were all happy, so I wasn't going to argue! Then not long after Che went home, Sophia wanted to go upstairs and go to bed. So Mike came home to her in her crib with no britches on and Gwen hiding her face in my shoulder.

Hope the training went well and wasn't too exhausting - just exhausting enough. We had a great time - can't wait to see you again next week!

Love ya,
M