Materials:
magnifying glasses
chart paper
markers
Instructions:
What to Do1. Choose an area to observe, anywhere from a field or forest to the playground.
2. Show the children how to hold a magnifying glass close to an object for observation. Looking closely at pebbles, sand, and plants are good beginning activities.
3. Invite the children to take turns using words to describe their small objects: for example, "Pebbles look sparkly, glittery, and shiny."
4. Challenge the children to use new or different words each time. Some may even want to make up their own descriptive words.
5. Record the words on paper to keep track of the variety of words and to use for comparing objects later.
Teacher - to - Teacher Tips
* Ask each child to think of an object without telling anyone what it is. The children can then take turns describing their secret objects until someone guesses the item's identity. For example, a child whose chosen item is a rock could say, "My object is red, rough, glittery, hard, and small."
* Create a chart showing words the children use to describe each object:
Assessment
Consider the following:
* Are the children able to use terms that describe the natural objects?
* Do the children think of their own terms, or rely on terms you or other children suggested?
