Materials
Towels, one for under the tub and one for drying hands
Sand/water table or large tub
Various items (see below)
Instructions
- Add any of the following combinations of items to the sand/water table or a large tub.
- Eggbeaters, bottles (plain and squirt), whisk, turkey baster, foam balls, and sieve.
- Boats (The children can use several items to make their own boats, such as egg cups or foam.)
- Measuring equipment, such as plastic measuring cups and spoons
- Dolls, doll clothes, and mild detergent (so the children can wash them)
More to do:
Fill the tub with snow instead of water and give the children gloves, plastic cups to make shapes for igloos, small shovels to dig and build, and cardboard cut into different ridge patterns to make designs in the snow.
Instructions
1. Take the children outside and ask them to look for anthills. Beforehand, discuss the importance of approaching an anthill carefully to avoid stepping on it or disturbing it.
2. Encourage the children to lie on the grass or squat to look at the ants. Ask the child to watch the activity with and without a magnifying glass.
3. When you get back to the classroom, discuss the children's observations.More to do: Chart the children's observations. Outside, section off an area using string and make a sign that reads, "No Walking. Ant Construction Zone."Art: Encourage the children to draw pictures of ants and anthills and label the parts.Language: Ask the children to create ant stories.
