As an Experience Early Learning Blog Ambassador, we receive the Experience Early Learning preschool curriculum in exchange for sharing our honest and authentic stories resulting from our personal experiences. As always, our opinions on amazing things for children are 100% our own. Keep in mind that all preschoolers do things in their own time and on their own terms. What one is ready for, another might not be. Please use your best judgement when planning activities for your children.
This week, we started Bubbles, Boats and Floats with Experience Early Learning (formerly Mother Goose Time). This theme is always a favorite with preschoolers because it's all about water.
One of our topics for week 1 was River and we did a really cool invitation to create process art experience using tissue paper, cardstock and small pebbles.
Process art is such a great way to encourage problem solving, creativity and of course fine motor skills.
I've noticed that the older children tend to be so detailed in their work. They can tell me exactly what they're putting where and why they're doing it.
It's always a blast to chat with the kiddos about what they're creating. Of course it's wonderful for encouraging language and literacy skills as well.
When I opened the Teacher Guide from Experience Early Learning and looked at this activity, I was so excited.
I love using unconventional materials in our art and collage is definitely a favorite of mine.
Did I mention that the kiddos love collage too? It's all about the glue.
Each Invitation to Create activity includes prompts that encourage the children to really think.
What do you notice about the photo?
How does a river flow through the earth?
What will you use to make your river?
Will your river be straight or curvy?
What might you see in a river or on the side of a river?
When I sit down with each small group, I make a point of asking each of the questions as we're working. I think it helps to solidify the topic and enables them to make connections between our circle time activities and the creative art.
Experience Early Learning (formerly Mother Goose Time) is a wonderful way to bring play-based learning into our classroom while covering all of the skills and standards that are an important part of the children's early learning.
Don't forget to stop back next week and check out what we're up to with Bubbles, Boats & Floats!
