Giving the gift of sensory play to my best friends three littles for their joint birthday Safari! For their animal loving littles: 4 animal kingdom sensory bins, scratch art, and play-dough station to compliment the theme of their party. 1. Monkey Kingdom: monkeys, pet bedding, wood rounds, sticks, tree house set, geometric blocks. 2. Cat Kingdom: lions, tigers, cheetahs, pet bedding, wood rounds, sticks, geometric blocks. 3. Elephant Kingdom: elephants, black bird seeds, wood rounds, dried tropical leaves, fake rocks. 4. Giraffe Kingdom: giraffes, black bird seeds, wood rounds, sticks, fake trees, geometric blocks. 5. Colorations® Scratch Art Animal Stickers 100 Stickers 6. Play-dough + safari prints. Sharifi Safari Backdrop!

Mad Scientist week continued today with four Sensory STEAM Explorations. 1. Oobleck: We invited the children to explore OOEY GOOEY Oobleck! We used Steve Spangler's Oobleck and added the traditional cornstarch/water mixture. We provided our favorite oobleck tool, recycled produce baskets. We added Colorations Liquid WaterColors 1/2 way through. Oobleck is a fun mixture that is a great sensory activity that has scientific elements. The really cool thing about oobleck is that it’s neither a liquid nor a solid. It’s actually a suspension (known as a non-Newtonian Fluid) and will behave like either, depending on the amount of pressure you apply. When the children squeeze it in their hands it will feel like a solid, but when they open their hand, it will flow over and between the fingers like a liquid This invitation to explore is an extension of the children's exposure to states of matter. 2. Magic Sand: We provided three jars filled with water & Magic Sand. The children were invited to explore, observe, & experience the magic of sand. While this might look like ordinary sand, when you get it wet you will understand why it is called Magic Sand. We invited the children to place their hand in the water & pull the sand to the top. They soon noticed that the wet sand became dry. The surface of regular sand becomes wet in water due to adhesion or different molecules attracting. Water molecules are attracted to each other due to cohesion. This means that water molecules & sand grains are electrically attracted. Magic Sand is regular sand that has been coated with an oil-like substance that is hydrophobic. The grains like to stay in contact with each other due to the oil coating. Also, the surface tension of water holds up the grains on the surface unless a force pushes them through the surface. 3. Foam Alive: We invited the children to explore Foam Alive! This science sensory material truly feels alive and is so enticing to play with. When children observe and explore strange characteristics of sensory materials they stimulate the mind & body through the tactile experience. Choosing to go the multi-sensory route is always beneficial to a child's learning due to the fact that children learn best & retain the most information when they engage their senses in early childhood. Research shows that sensory play builds nerve connections in the brain's pathways, which leads to the child's ability to complete more complex learning tasks. It also supports cognitive growth, promotes language development, fosters fine & gross motor skills, problem solving skills & social interaction. 4. Colorations® BioPutty® Slime: We invited the children to create their own slime! In a bed of Colorations® BioPutty® Solution we squirted Fluorescent & Metallic BioColor® and just like that we created slime! Slime has the strangest characteristics in that it flows somewhat like a liquid, spilling out, but is very obviously a solid. It is ooey & gooey and cold to the touch as it flows between fingers. It is such a unique substance that young children love to explore.

Science Week continued today with an invitation to paint on Polymer Spheres/Cubes and Ice. 1. Invitation to Paint on Steve Spangler Jelly Marbles™ & Polymer Cubes: First we placed the tiny solid spheres & cubes in water. In a couple of hours they absorb over 150 times their weight in water & grow. After they have grown we placed them in our tuff tray in different containers. We provided Pipettes/Twisty Droppers, Beakers filled with Water mixed with Colorations Liquid Watercolors. The children were invited to 'paint' the spheres & cubes with the pipettes/twisty droppers & liquid watercolors As the child uses the droppers it enhances their fine motor skills, increases their color recognition, & explores their sense of touch. 2. Invitation to Paint on Ice: In our Tuff Tray we provided ice, pipettes, paintbrushes, & liquid watercolors. The children were invited to create, observe, & explore ice + colors. As the ice melts through squirting the liquid water colors onto the ice the children will explore a solid turning into a liquid. They will make predictions, observations, & theories throughout this whole process as well. When painting the ice they will explore color theory through mixing colors (red+blue= purple, blue + yellow= green, red+ yellow=orange). When stating & observing what colors they are using, this naturally boosts their recognition & the names of the colors. By using a pipette/dropper they will enhance their fine motor skills as well as hand-eye coordination. Painting on an interesting surface such as jelly shapes or ice is quite different from using paper, which definitely sparked the interest & engagement of the children. They were cognitively challenged to paint & create while they were exploring and experimenting. Since children learn best through using their senses, these sensory materials allow the child to creatively explore & retain new skills/information. Whenever a child is #handsonlearning , they are developing & enhancing multiple layers of skill sets that will provide the stimulus children need to confidently continue to ignite their curiosity throughout their entire life long learning journey.

Mad Science Week continued today with three STEAM Color Explorations. 1.Oil & Liquid Watercolor Exploration: We provided different trays with a base of oil, Colorations® Liquid WaterColors, & pipettes. We invited the children to take the pipettes, fill them up with colored liquid water & drop it into the oil to explore what happens. Through this exploration they were able to explore how oil remains separate from the water because it lacks polarity & floats because it’s less dense. We explained that when you have two objects that are the same size but different weights, the one that weighs more has more matter packed into it. It is denser. A good way to tell if something is more or less dense than water is to put it in water. If it sinks, it’s denser, if it floats, it’s less dense. 2. Special Effect Liquid WaterColors: We provided Coloration Liquid WaterColors, Pipettes, & Rubbing Alcohol. The children first painted on poster paper with the liquid watercolors & then they dropped rubbing alcohol and watched the colors transform right before their eyes. Through this invitation children are able to see even in art when you combine different materials & elements such as liquid watercolors + rubbing alcohol you can do science in art! 3. Color Fizzers Exploration: In our Discount School Supply Tuff Tray we place various sized beakers filled with water & provided Steve Spangler Color Fizzers™ to explore primary colors, create even more color combinations, & experience a solid material fizz into a liquid state. When the fizzers are dropped into water it dissolves & adds vivid colors to the liquids because they contain a citric acid (as in citrus), sodium bicarbonate (plain baking soda), & and a binder. Citric acid & sodium bicarbonate react in water to release carbon dioxide (CO2) gas. That’s how we saw the fizzing bubbles & vivid colors.

Mad Science Week has kicked off with two of our favorite experiments: Fizzing Potions & Citrus Explosions to explore the basic foundations of science in an open ended intentional setting. 1. Fizzing Potions: We provided beakers, cylinders, pipettes, twisty droppers, baking soda, vinegar mixed with Colorations® Liquid WaterColors, and Dawn Dish Soap. We simply invited the children to explore the materials in order to create a chemical reaction. The science behind fizzing potions…When baking soda (base) & vinegar (acid) are mixed together, one of the products this reaction creates is carbon dioxide gas. The carbon dioxide gas escapes, & that gas forms the fizz you see coming out of the potion. The liquid watercolors helps see the reaction better & the dawn dish soap makes for bigger fizzing bubbles! 2. Citrus Explosions: We provided baking soda, limes, lemons, dawn dish soap, & citrus press. We cut the citrus up in manageable pieces for squeezing & pressing to enhance their fine motor skills through the various grasps. The children were invited to explore with the materials in order to create a chemical reaction. The children learned that certain fruits high in Vitamin C or ascorbic acid like citric will also produce a similar fizzy, bubbly reaction when combined with baking soda just like vinegar. When the acid from the citrus fruit combines with the baking soda, a gas is formed. This gas is carbon dioxide which can be seen & felt through the fizzing & bubbling of the two ingredients. These types of invitations children build a foundation for future scientific learning. Science provides children with the opportunities to explore their environments as they learn about cause & effect, cycles of nature, comparisons, chemical & physical changes, reactions & properties of matter. As curiosity builds, children learn to be patient with projects that take time & how to make decisions based on the data they gathered. A basic skill for "scientific research" is the ability to observe & realize how things are the same & how they are different. Developing this ability to understand likeness & differences builds a science base as well as a skill for future math & reading skills. This science experiment process teaches wonder, process, & patience – while being fun while being a magical open ended experience.

Our Dramatic Play Corne r got the perfect final addition with the #gifted Refrigerator from Children's Factory to complete the area. We love the Environments® Washer/Dryer + Sink that was also gifted from Discount School Supply originally. This dramatic play corner truly ignites the children's imagination through play. Dramatic play is a crucial part of early childhood. Since possibilities are truly limitless in pretend play it encourages a child to use their imagination in its truest form by doing. The child will build social and emotional skills, language skills, problem-solving skills, take risks, and become whoever they want to be. If there is one thing we need to encourage children to do more is imagine , and through dramatic play they will! After all, play is the work of a child.

This week we have been learning about animals galore! Today we invited the children to create their very own jungle through open ended play. With natural tree blocks, wood rounds, fake grass/leaves/plants, and jungle animals the children were invited to create a jungle habitat. Any type of blocks are essential in all stages of early childhood. We know that block play in early childhood is something that is constant and continuous throughout the many stages of their development. They provide opportunities for early STEM concepts that will provide skills for children throughout the rest of their lives. When you combine block play with loose parts, and figurines they are able to create see in stories, environments, movies, discussions and more. This type of play is an integral part of the developmental learning process by allowing children to develop skills in a developmentally appropriate natural manner in their own way, on their own time. True open-ended play lets a child imagine anything and supports hours of creative play. So let them play!

This week we have been learning about animals galore! Today we invited the children to explore three different types of animal habitats through small world play. 1. Arctic Small World Play: In our tuff tray we provided ice, baking soda, liquid watercolors, igloos, and arctic animals. 2. Farm Small World Play: In our tuff tray we provided hay pet bedding, barnyard flat marbles as water, tractors, and farm animals. 3. Desert Small World Play: In our tuff tray we provided rocks, sand, wood rounds, fake succulents, and desert animals. Small world play accompanied with sensory materials (water, sand, rocks, etc.) are a great way for extending literacy, language, imaginary play, and tactile play. Through this play they can reenact what they see in stories, shows, experiences, and environments around them to deepen their understanding of the world. This type of play can be defined as where children accept and assign roles, then act them out. When children engage in small world play they break through the walls of reality, use their imagination, pretend to be someone or something different from themselves, explore different worlds, and have actions to go along with the roles they have chosen to play. Play is an integral part of the developmental learning process by allowing children to develop skills in such areas as abstract thinking, literacy, math, & social studies, in a timely natural manner. They are able to play and manipulate a variety of materials and textures that stimulate their mind and body while deepening their connection and understanding of the world.

Get ready for hours of fun along with gross motor active play with Children's Factory 4-Rings Basketball Stand with Storage Bag. This versatile stand is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, allowing children to practice their basketball and gross motor skills anytime, anywhere. Basketball offers young children tons of benefits, including physical fitness, weight control, coordination, stress relief, team-building, socializing with others, and gross motor development. Gross motor development involves the larger stronger muscle groups of the body. In early childhood, it is the development of these muscles that help children gain strength and confidence in their body. It also helps them get exercise and physical activity, which is important for a healthy lifestyle. Developing these skills through play such as playing basketball helps a child gain the ability to do more complex skills in future activities. Here is some additional information about the amazing 4 Ring Basketball! Sturdy and Durable: Constructed with a powder-coated metal frame, the basketball stand is built to last. It resists rust and can withstand vigorous play, ensuring long-lasting fun for your little ones. Adjustable Hoop Heights: The stand features four 18″ diameter hoops at varying heights, including 35-3/4″h, 41-3/4″h, 47-1/4″h, and 53″h. This allows children of all sizes to enjoy the game and improve their hand-eye coordination. Non-Tip Base: Safety is a top priority. The basketball stand comes with a 36″ diameter non-tip base, providing stability and preventing accidental tipping during intense play. Easy Assembly: No need to worry about complicated setup. Our basketball stand is designed for easy assembly, so you can have it ready for play in no time. Replacement Accessories Available: Accidents happen, which is why replacement storage bags and nets are easily replaced.

Engaging children with a combination of art, science, and action while learning about the artist Jackson Pollock is a dynamic way to teach and expose them to a style of painting where there are no mistakes. Jackson Pollock, was an American painter and a major figure in the abstract expressionist movement. He was well known for his unique style of drip painting. "It doesn't matter how the paint is put on as long as something is said." Jackson Pollock is such an amazing artist to highlight how it’s the process not the product when creating art. Today we invited the children to Paint like Jackson Pollock in 3 different ways. Pendulum Drip Painting: We provided a swinging pendulum from Lakeshore Learning , condiment bottles filled with diluted Colorations Black & White Tempera Paint, and poster paper. We invited the children to squeeze paint into the pendulum, and paint like Pollock! Strainer Drip Painting: We provided Dollar Store strainers, condiment bottles filled with diluted Colorations Black & White Tempera Paint, and poster paper. We invited the children to squeeze paint into the strainer and paint like Pollock! Gravity Drip Painting: We provided beakers full of diluted Colorations Liquid WaterColors, pipettes, and butcher paper. We invited the children to draw colored water with their paper and paint like Pollock! When children use various tools and engage in different ways to paint they become more thoughtful and creative about the techniques they use as they experiment. They flick, splat, drip, swift, squirt, and move through so many different movements which enhances both their fine and gross motor skills. Through the process of experimenting and exploring these kinds of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) invitations the child is using creative and critical thinking skills. Scientists, mathematicians, engineers and artists all use the same critical thinking skills to find new and innovative solutions. Developing a skill like painting provides the stimulus children need to be successful in all aspects of life. Here are other ways to explore famous artists: Painting like Pollock , 7 ways to Explore Frida Kahlo , Andy Warhol Invitations Three Ways , Invitation to Build Waterlilies and the Japanese Bridge' by Claude Monet , Keith Haring DIY STEM , Invitation to Create Just Like Ruth Asawa, Invitation to Frame Kehinde Wiley Art with Loose Parts, Invitation to Create Robert Bradford Sculptures, Simone Leigh Sculptures , Alma Woodsey Thomas Art 3 Ways , Collaborative Circle Collage , Collaborative Invitation to Create Yayoi Kusama , Reginald Laurent Collage Art , Two Ways to Create like Jean-Michel Basquiat , Keith Haring Street Art , Invitation to Explore Mark Rothko , Invitation to Explore Wayne Thiebaud. , Invitation to Explore Waterlilies and the Japanese Bridge' by Claude Monet

To continue learning about famous artists, today we explored Claude Monet. Monet was a French painter and key figure of the Impressionist movement that transformed painting in the second half of the 19th century. We have been reading these books about Claude Monet. The Magical Garden of Claude Monet , Linnea in Monet's Garden , Katie and the Water Lily Pond , Claude Monet , and A Picnic with Monet as well as showing images of his artwork. We set out two invitations to explore & create Monet's Waterlilies and the Japanese Bridge' STEM Waterlilies and the Japanese Bridge': In our Discount School Supply Tuff Tray we set out flat marbles, plastic cups, large craft sticks, water lilies, water mixed with Colorations BioColor. The children were invited to build and create their own rendition of the paintings through STEM. Interactive Waterlillies and Resist Tape Japanese Foot Bridge' Painting: We stapled poster paper onto our fence and created a bridge with blue tape that was removed once the paint dried. From a tree we hung 3D waterlilies that the children could paint on. We provided spray bottles mixed with Colorations liquid water/bio color and later on we provided tempera paint as well. We invited the children to create & paint just like Monet! Here are other ways to epxlore famous artists: Painting like Pollock , 7 ways to Explore Frida Kahlo , Andy Warhol Invitations Three Ways , Invitation to Build Waterlilies and the Japanese Bridge' by Claude Monet , Keith Haring DIY STEM , Invitation to Create Just Like Ruth Asawa, Invitation to Frame Kehinde Wiley Art with Loose Parts, Invitation to Create Robert Bradford Sculptures, Simone Leigh Sculptures , Alma Woodsey Thomas Art 3 Ways , Collaborative Circle Collage , Collaborative Invitation to Create Yayoi Kusama , Reginald Laurent Collage Art , Two Ways to Create like Jean-Michel Basquiat , Keith Haring Street Art , Invitation to Explore Mark Rothko , Invitation to Explore Wayne Thiebaud.

To continue learning about famous artists, today we explored Mark Rothko. Rothko was an American abstract painter. He is best known for his color field paintings that depicted irregular and painterly rectangular regions of color. We set out two invitations to explore & create: 1. Invitation to Paint Rectangular Boxes: With different sized recycled rectangular boxes, tempera paint, and brushes we invited the children to paint rectangles just like Rothko! 2. Invitation to Create Rothko with Loose Parts: With translucent acrylic squares/rectangles and mirrors we invited the children to create Rothko paintings with loose parts! Here are other ways to explore famous artists: Painting like Pollock , 7 ways to Explore Frida Kahlo , Andy Warhol Invitations Three Ways , Invitation to Build Waterlilies and the Japanese Bridge' by Claude Monet , Keith Haring DIY STEM , Invitation to Create Just Like Ruth Asawa, Invitation to Frame Kehinde Wiley Art with Loose Parts, Invitation to Create Robert Bradford Sculptures, Simone Leigh Sculptures , Alma Woodsey Thomas Art 3 Ways , Collaborative Circle Collage , Collaborative Invitation to Create Yayoi Kusama , Reginald Laurent Collage Art , Two Ways to Create like Jean-Michel Basquiat , Keith Haring Street Art , Invitation to Explore Wayne Thiebaud.