Using themed manipulatives the preschoolers practiced counting, patterning, sorting, and fine motor skills.
In our sensory table the children experimented with ribbon candies and candy canes. Using different tools they scooped, poured, stirred and dumped while increasing their fine motor muscles. They compared sizes of containers and wondered what made the candy melt and how did the water become a new color.
After exploring the candy's changing properties in water, they investigated the differences that occurred when we added the candy to goop. Goop is a classroom favorite so adding candy to the mixture was an added bonus!
At the playdoh table the preschoolers enjoyed even more sensory experiences when using cocoa and mint scented playdoh to create their own "treats" to share with each other.
The preschoolers played with wrapping paper scraps, ribbons, and garland in the sensory table. This activity led to many conversations comparing lengths of the ribbons and experimenting with how to cut the longer pieces in order to make them match the shorter ones.
Using recyclable materials the children played elves and created their own toys. They practiced STEM skills as they tested and modified their toys. They worked together, shared materials, and shared their ideas with each other. Using pretend play they acted out many different stories about their toys and wrote plans, lists, and directions.
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| A finger puppet stage |
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| A microphone |
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| A dollhouse |
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| A school bus |
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| A fishing pole |
Christmas in the block area
