This week we focused on health and wellness. Take a look below to see the corresponding activities for the week!
Glitter Germs Activity
For this activity we mixed some lotion and glitter in a bowl. We then had the children put some of the “germs” on their hands and rub them together. We shook hands with each other and let them touch different surfaces and toys to learn about how germs can be spread! It’s a fun little germ spreading game for them but I like to think they’re learning at the same time! We then practiced washing the toys and their hands off with warm, soapy water. It’s a great way to teach them while having some hands-on fun!
Roll & Brush
This math based brushing activity is a super fun way to reinforce subitizing (looking at the dots and knowing right away what number they represent instead of counting each dot). To begin the activity we first drew 10 "germs" onto the tooth. We then rolled the dice, counted the dots, and then brushed away the corresponding number of "germs."
The Balloon that Inflates Itself (a Science Experiment)
That title is probably a little deceiving. The truth is, we blew up balloons without it ever touching our lips - thanks to a gas-producing chemical reaction. For this experiment we needed: vinegar, baking soda, empty water bottles, a funnel and balloons. To begin the experiment we first poured about 1/3 c. vinegar into an empty water bottle. We then added a few tablespoons of baking soda into a balloon. We then attached the balloon to the neck of the water-bottle and the kids took turns shaking and swirling the bottle. When the baking soda and vinegar combine, a chemical reaction occurs. Carbon dioxide gas is created and, without anywhere to go, pushes up through the neck of the bottle, inflating the balloon.
Play Dough Subtraction Smash Play Dough Subtraction Smash is such a fun, creative way to teach kids about subtraction! This activity emphasized listening to the word problem, drawing objects, counting and subtracting. We also mixed in some addition practice as well.
Domino Line Up
Dominoes are ripe with number sense and a great way to teach kids to subitize numbers – that rapid ability to see a group of objects and instantly know how many without counting it. During this activity the kids are practicing many skills: counting with 1:1 correspondence, subitizing numbers, combining two numbers (intro to addition), recognizing printed numbers, creating a graph, understanding that numbers can be composed of different numbers (think 5 is made of 1 and 4).
Art Class
This week in art class the children began to create collages using various cardboard shapes. During the next session the children will paint their creations.
Mystery Reader
This week our mystery reader was 5th Grader/Reading Buddy, Marko. He read "The Book with No Pictures" by B. J. Novak and the kids LOVED it!
Free Choice & Recess