Tape Exploration in the Block Area
November
5-25, 2013
Over
the past several weeks, the children have shown an ongoing interest in using
masking tape in the block area. Initially, Sage used the tape to create
clothing for an “Animal Fashion Show” and the other children were drawn to her
ideas. The interest in the tape continued over several weeks and led to a wide
variety of creations and experiments in the block area. As their interest
continued, the children added materials to the tape, including pom poms, pipe
cleaners, sequins, animals, and much more.
Over
time, the block area evolved into a Christmas party, a Birthday party, a
playground with swings, a trap for “bad guys” and a spider web. The children
also created “armor” for the dinosaurs, clothing for the animals, and traps for
“bad guys”.
Some
children utilized all of the materials, while others only used certain items
for their creations. The children experimented with different methods of
manipulating the tape and discussed their ideas with each other and worked
collaboratively.
This activity supports fine motor skill
development, use of scissors, creative expression, socio-dramatic play,
collaborative play with peers, measurement skills, and math skills (counting).
We hope to continue this activity as long as the
children show interest. We plan to add small “baby dinosaurs” to continue the
project and will ask the children about their ideas for the next phase of the
tape exploration.
Konichiwa
from the afternoon program
It’s Sushi Time!
On Tuesday November 12, 2013, we made hand-rolled sushi maki rolls
with the help from our very own sushi chef, Jenny! This fun and interactive
activity allowed each child to participate in the preparation from start to
finish. Making your own sushi is a great way to expose children to a little
Japanese culture as well as introducing a new and healthy meal. Each child wet their
fingers in a bowl of water before they began adding their sticky rice to their
seaweed (maki). Then they were able to choose their fillers, which included
avocado, cucumber, and cooked spam. Once their fillers were chosen, the rolling
began! All of the children tried their sushi, with most of them loving it and
making several sushi rolls.
This
activity allows children to explore different cultures and foods freely.
-
enhances
fine motor skills (rolling sushi)
-
math skills- sorting, counting, measuring
-
increases vocabulary
-
geography- learning about Japanese
customs/traditions - eating with hands
-
social skills- cleanliness, sharing