Random fact - The sun is more powerful in June than it is at any other time of the year.
The factor 50 came out for Little N today. The smell of sun cream always reminds me of holiday time.
The factor 50 came out for Little N today. The smell of sun cream always reminds me of holiday time.
So all sun factored up we took to the garden where we stayed for most of the day.
We did a few interesting things outside today and here is one I am sharing with you - ice cube play.
You will need:
- Ice
- Trays
- Containers
- Spoons and scoops
I had washed out a container which was perfect to utilise for this activity. I poured out the ice cubes into the tray and poured some water over them. It is very important to do this to begin the melting process so the ice doesn't stick to the skin.
Little N had a variety of spoons and utensils outside already as we had been doing other things outside so she was free to select as she wished. She went and picked up the metal ice cream scoop. She enjoyed scooping them up and watching them crash down into each other again as she tilted her spoon.
She did this over and over before mixing them together. She splashed her finger tips in the water that was forming "it cold" she kept saying.
Off Little N wondered and she returned with this tray. How interesting I thought. She picked up the ice cube and begin to trawl it across the surface - mark making with water.
She then decided to- one by one pick up the ice cubes and put them down onto the tray.
She really does enjoy transferring things at the moment so this was a great activity for her.
"All gone" she said as she placed down the last ice cube.
A really quick, fun and easy activity requiring very little set up and no cost.
It provides an interesting sensory experience, perfect for hot days and with very little mess too.
Learning:
- filling and emptying containers
- mark making
- scooping (developing fine motor control)
- cause and effect (sliding the ice on the tray making water trails)
- sharing the sensory concepts she experienced (cold, wet)
- transferring objects
- making choices
- experimenting
- exploring
Extension:
Little N enjoyed this task so I plan to provide ice play again very soon.
As she enjoyed making decisions about transferring, operating utensils, filling and emptying containers next time I plan to colour the ice cubes and provide more bowls and containers during some water play.
Little N will have the opportunity to transfer amongst the bowls if she wishes, add them to the water and watch as the water changes colour as the ice melts.
I will also include various containers such as tall bottles etc for her to possibly fill with water or post the ice cubes through.
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