Activity Idea: Does It Float?

Kindergarten QuickSource® tells us that "When math is presented in a fun and creative way, teachers provide children with the opportunity to develop abstract reasoning skills, learn complex math concepts and create solutions to real-life problems."

Here's a great activity idea called Does It Float? that presents math in a fun way and teaches children to sort or group objects according to the similarities or differences in their attributes.

Before you start: For this activity you will need: a water table or large container filled with water; a tray of assorted materials, some that float and others that do not (only use materials that are appropriate for placing in water); a sheet of paper with a line drawn down the middle for each child - On the top of one side write, "Yes" and on the other side write "No"; crayons & pencils.

Let's Get Started!

1) Play a game of "Does It Float?" by giving the child a tray of objects to place in the water.

2) Provide a sheet of paper, divided as described, for the child to record results.

3) Have the child place each object, one at a time, in the water. If the object floats, have the child draw a picture of the object on the "Yes" side of the paper. If it does not float, have the child draw a picture of the object on the "No" side of the paper.

4) Have the child continue until he/she has tried every object on the tray.

If using POCET™, this activity correlates to Developmental Guideline: MA3: Clasifies and Sorts by Attributes

For more developmentally-appropriate activities, visit Teacher QuickSource® and browse through all age areas, including Preschool, Kindergarten, Infant & Toddler, and Head Start. Don't forget to explore activities promoting environmental awareness at Environmental QuickSource®, too!

Activity Idea: Three Station Art Center

Preschool QuickSource® tells us that "young children are naturally curious and eager to learn."And "...when young ones are given the freedom to engage in an activity, they develop their decision-making skills."

Here's a great activity idea called Three Station Art Center that encourages independent and creative thinking as well as developing logical reasoning skills by allowing children to decide what type of art project they do and to explore different types of mediums of art. The goal of this activity is to make independent choices and a willingness to try new things.

Before you start: For this activity you will need (have enough for each child to use at each of the three stations): beads, cords, and other materials for beading projects; masks in the shape of animals or paper plates; paint and paint brushes; paper; and clay or dough (you can also provide tools).

Let's Get Started!

1) Set up three different stations with adequete materials for your art center: one for sculpture, one for painting (idea: try a Biocolor Mask Painting Station); and one for beading projects. Make sure you have enough materials for each child to use at any given station.

2) Allow children to choose one of the three art stations and create their projects.

3) If they spend some time at one station and choose to visit another station, allow them to do so. This will allow them to make their artistic choices freely, in turn developing their independence and creativity.

4) Set up additional stations for math, science, and other subjects. Use an array of materials to encourage visual and tactile interest.

If using POCET™, this activity correlates to Developmental Guideline: AL2 Makes Independent Choices and is Willing to Try New Things.

For more developmentally-appropriate activities, visit Teacher QuickSource® and browse through all age areas, including Preschool, Kindergarten, Infant & Toddler, and Head Start. Don't forget to explore activities promoting environmental awareness at Environmental QuickSource®, too!