Sorry for the lack of posts, I have just been flat out with university work at the moment [I have 4 assignments due next week - have done two [one needs to be fixed though], started the third] and its honestly taking a toll on me. See when I have university work to do I usually end up stressed. Never a good look, but last night my sinuses were playing up and now it feels like I have a head cold. *sigh* I have another observation day on Friday and might not make it.
Anyway, I didn’t come here to whine to you all. I come here to quickly share a resource with you!
[I have so many ideas and resources to post though I need some photos to add. Silly me.]
When I was studying my Diploma, I had some children that were intrigued by goop but being the early childhood minded person that I am I took this further.
Exploring ‘Sticky Things’ I entitled my learning story and it centred around two main children after listening to their discussions whilst playing with the goop.
I set up a table and had a variety of things that are sticky.
Some included:
+ goop
+ sticky tape
+ blu tac
+ post-it notes
and then I included a range of things that weren’t sticky [to see if the children could distinguish between the two].
After this we then began to explore more sensory items and had all the children involved. I set up a group time where the children were putting their hands into containers and were trying to guess what it was. The children who participated loved it. They couldn’t wait to guess the next one. I would love to actually make a sensory box where the children put their hands into different squares and try and figure out what it is. [Would have been great for this practical coming up].
The sensory items I had during the group time were:
+ couscous
+ flour
+ paint [in a balloon]
+ goop [as this was the original item]
+ rice
+ water
+ a toy
You could add what you would like.
There are several variations:
1. Instead of feeling, have an object that represents a song and when the children pull it out, ask them to come up with a song i.e. pull out a dog – could be B.I.N.G.O.
2. Rather than a group time, using the box I would love, have it set up as an all the time experience. Where the children can revisit.
3. Repeat several times using different objects – note: they don’t always have to be touch sensory, you could do smell, taste, sight, listening.
Remember all these activities I suggest are usually the result of a child and their interest. Adult initiated experiences are great too but remember, if the children lose interest, swap to plan B [but as far as I know, not many children don't like sensory items].
Enjoy!
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