We collected many of the fallen crab apples and then used the wooden play-doh hammers to smash them. It was quite satisfying!
Crab Apples are Fun to SMASH!
Author: patchwork
Volcano!
Last week, two students had the idea to build a volcano. This week we followed up on that plan by making one out of paper mâché and wire, painting it red “like lava”. It then became a prop for dramatic play—this is the dinosaur’s birthday cake volcano! After building the volcano, some of the kids… Read more »
Fresh Herb Play-doh
A sensory extravaganza! We smelled and tasted the herbs, we smooshed them into the play-doh, we rolled the play-doh flat and made “pizzas,” we stuck the herbs into the play- doh and made “trees.”
Galaxy Slime
“It’s so goopy!” “We are making a slime puddle See all this slime?” “And there are diamonds in there.” “Whooooooooooaaaaaaaaa.” Recipe: Ratio of 1 Tablespoon of fiber supplement with Psyllium Husk to 1 cup of water and 1/3 cup black paint. Mix together these ingredients and heat on the stove or microwave until goopy consistency… Read more »
Pumpkin Explorations
We harvested two of the pumpkins, which we planted from seed last Spring. We cut them open, smelled them, touched them, and scooped out the seeds. We experimented with several strategies for opening up the pumpkins… Save
Paper Recycle Factory: Part 1
Last week, we started a real life recycle project, cutting up scrap paper into tiny pieces in order to eventually turn it into new, whole paper. This week, we moved on to the next steps of paper making: turning it to mush. After ensuring all the pieces of paper were small enough, we added water,… Read more »
Punching Bag Proprioception
Children are constantly exploring and testing how their bodies, strength, and actions relate with the world around them. This is called proprioception, and is still being developed in young children (hence all the trips, falls, and no fear type craziness children sometimes exhibit). This also contributes to why children hit and push: combine lack of… Read more »
Walnuts!
We discovered a walnut tree in our newly expanded backyard! Brian showed us how to safely use the hammer to smash open the walnuts, revealing the hard shell and nut meat inside. Save Save
Pieces of the Plane
E incorporated the plane into the animal family play, using the semi truck to haul it to the mechanic. Pretend play offers a unique platform for everyone to bring their strengths and interests: different roles and plans can be carried out without one specific person necessarily having to lead or organize the play, and it… Read more »
What will slide down?
The kids start by experimenting with different things they find near the ramp: Legos, blocks, balls, cars. Some go slow but stay on, some go fast but often slide right off. After figuring out that the cars/trains go fast and often stay on, a pretend play game emerges around taking turns using the railroad crossing… Read more »