This activity is relative to the KDI Science and technology. It involves observing materials and coming to their own conclusions.
Age: one year to preschool
Age: one year to preschool
Magic Squish Bags
Originating idea: I wanted the kids to discover what happens when you mix two colors of paint
The materials that are needed for this activity are as follows:
For each child and teacher:
A large reclosable plastic bag with 3 tablespoons of yellow tempera paint in one corner of the bag
and 3 tablespoons of blue tempera paint in the other corner.
White paper to serve as a place mat or canvas
Smock if needed to protect clothing
Beginning: You can begin the activity by retelling an observation that you made in class. Say "I noticed the other day that some of you were curious about painting but didn't want to get messy. I thought that we could put some paint into a plastic bag and you can explore the paint and mix the colors without you getting messy." Give each child a bag with paint and a piece of paper. Say " I wonder if you will notice anything special about these squish bags."
Middle: While the kids are using the bags pay attention and listen to their comments. Ask them about the colors combining and what they notice while playing with the bags. If the child opens the bag you can encourage them to use the white paper and make a picture.
End: Tell them that they have a few more minutes to explore and then you have to clean up. After the time is up tell the children to give you their bags if they want to take them home.
Earlier Ability:
These children can squish their bags colors and play with the feel of the bag.
Later Ability:
Ask the children if they notice the colors combining. If the bag comes open encourage them to paint on the paper.
To end this activity and move on you can say "If you painted a picture with your paint, please wash your hands."
KDI observed: Cognitive (exploring objects)
Originating idea: I wanted the kids to discover what happens when you mix two colors of paint
The materials that are needed for this activity are as follows:
For each child and teacher:
A large reclosable plastic bag with 3 tablespoons of yellow tempera paint in one corner of the bag
and 3 tablespoons of blue tempera paint in the other corner.
White paper to serve as a place mat or canvas
Smock if needed to protect clothing
Beginning: You can begin the activity by retelling an observation that you made in class. Say "I noticed the other day that some of you were curious about painting but didn't want to get messy. I thought that we could put some paint into a plastic bag and you can explore the paint and mix the colors without you getting messy." Give each child a bag with paint and a piece of paper. Say " I wonder if you will notice anything special about these squish bags."
Middle: While the kids are using the bags pay attention and listen to their comments. Ask them about the colors combining and what they notice while playing with the bags. If the child opens the bag you can encourage them to use the white paper and make a picture.
End: Tell them that they have a few more minutes to explore and then you have to clean up. After the time is up tell the children to give you their bags if they want to take them home.
Earlier Ability:
These children can squish their bags colors and play with the feel of the bag.
Later Ability:
Ask the children if they notice the colors combining. If the bag comes open encourage them to paint on the paper.
To end this activity and move on you can say "If you painted a picture with your paint, please wash your hands."
KDI observed: Cognitive (exploring objects)