Children have learned about magnets for this week. We put in a variety of magnetic and non-magnetic objects for the kids to explore, such as, paper clips, iron basket, magnetic toys, plastic toys etc.., and equipped five big sturdy magnets. Children have observed which objects can stick to the magnets. Children picked up a magnet and started exploring with it. They liked to see what objects would stick to the magnet. After they had explored the contents of the sensory bin for a while, I showed the kids how they could use a magnet to get a paperclip out of a bottle. Children took turns doing this several times each.
Children had lots of fun playing magnets so we used button magnets for the math activity. Children placed the number card on the white board and attached the button magnets around numbers. We also have number words cards and encourage children to clip on the clothespins by the numbers. Children really liked to use the button magnets on the number because these stuck on to the white board. If child is just starting to count and recognize numbers, then they tried to use the magnets to place along the number. When children tried to read number words, they enjoyed used clothespins to clip onto the number cards. It's a great way to work on fine motor skills while practicing number recognition and counting.
Everyone had such a good time printing and experimenting with this activity and it turned out way better than we thought it would! We observed children taking their time exploring the mixing of colors, making designs, checking out thin lines and thick lines, criss-crossing their lines, using fine motor skills to hold their cars without getting paint on their fingers, and focusing on their “work.” In fact, the children seemed so peaceful as they painted.
We all know how much children love and enjoy partner activities. Working with a partner allows for communication, understanding, and listening. In this activity we used bean bags to measure of their partner’s body parts. Measuring involves figuring out and comparing how long or short something is. A great introductory lesson for children is to use familiar objects such as, bean bags as a unit of measure. Inches, feet, and yards are difficult concepts for children to grasp, but they are very familiar with bean bags like their toys. Next, children will gather several of their favorite stuffed animals. Lay the animals on the floor and place the appropriate number of bean bags next to each stuffed animal to measure their length in bean bags.
This week, Seojin has chosen to take care of Juju. Seojin gave Juju piggy back and had a dinner with her. Here is Seojin's story about being together with Juju!