Materials
plastic rings from a beverage six-pack (1 for every 3 children)scissorschenille stemscolored cellophane (optional)
Instructions
The ability to observe and notice things is fundamental to developing math skills. Only through this process can we receive information about the world.
1. Tell the children that they are going to make a pair of glasses that will help them see amazing things.
2. Cut the plastic six-pack rings apart to make three sets of two. These will be the "eyeglasses."3. Give each child a set of eyeglasses and two chenille stems.
4. Show the children how to wind the end of the chenille stems around the outside edge of the glasses to form earpieces.
5. Show the children how to bend the other end of the chenille stems to fit over the ears. If desired, have them add colored cellophane lenses to the glasses by gluing colored cellophane circles to the rings after adding the earpieces.
6. Have the children put on their glasses and go on a walk around the school or playground.
7. Stop occasionally to look carefully at an interesting item such as a fish tank.
8. Ask questions to encourage them to carefully observe what they are seeing:* Which fish is spending more time at the bottom of the tank?* What happens when one fish swims in front of another?* Which fish are swimming together?9. Encourage the children to wear their observation glasses when playing in centers. Occasionally join them in play and ask questions about what they are seeing. Remember to ask more than just, "What do you see?" If a child says she sees the dishes, ask questions about them. For example:* What color are the dishes?* How many dishes are there?* Are the dishes the same size or different sizes?
