Good morning! It’s going to be warm again today, really starting to feel like the beginning of summer. One of the invitations today is to create something that will help your child cool off tomorrow.
Science/Sensory Invitation: Prepping ice forms
For this invitation you will need two buckets (plastic or metal) that nest with around a 1” gap, some edible or non-toxic leaves and flowers, a few rocks, painter’s tape, and water. Food coloring is optional, but can be fun.
Have your child set the smaller container inside the larger one and arrange the leaves and flowers in the gap between them. Have them set the rocks in the smaller container. Help them put tape across the top in several directions to help keep the smaller container centered. Pour water into the gap until it is ½” to 1” below the rim. Your child can add drops of food coloring to the water as well if they would like. Freeze overnight.
This invitation gives children creative control over something they will explore the next day. It also asks them to make predictions. What do they think will happen overnight? What will this be like tomorrow?
Fine Motor Invitation: DIY light table
Middler teachers Sarah and Caitlyn found this idea for creating a light table at home.. The children at Lakewood really enjoy exploring the different possibilities that come from doing design work on a light table. Commercial light tables are expensive, but you can make one from an empty clear storage bin, a strand of mini-lights, and some tissue paper. Firmly attach the tissue paper to the underside of the lid of the bin, arrange the lights inside so the cord sticks out at one corner, but the lights are far away from the lid. Turn on the light and get out some transparent and translucent things for your child to explore.
Note: you can also purchase a tracing pad for much less than a light table. It will not be as durable, but will still provide a space for light/shadow design.
Large Motor Invitation: Avoid the shark (the floor is lava)
You can present this invitation inside or outside. It’s perfect for siblings as well. This type of game is played in many places around the world, with different names in different places. The premise is the same, to navigate from one side of a space (living room, backyard, etc.) to the other without touching the floor. You can provide towels or pillows inside or discs outside to help create stepping stones. This is a cooperative game where everyone is working together to cross the space. It involves large motor skills, problem solving and cooperation.
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