Using Gentle Hands

The weather has been sporadic with its unpredictable downpour of rain yet we are chasing the rainy blues away by making the most out of what we can while indoors. Here’s what we did today:

Water Sensory Table

It’s all wet outside… So why not bring in the “situation” outside to our classroom? How? By having a table filled with water and floating colorful pompoms and yarn on it! The sight of it looks like having a summer pool party inside the room!  Here’s what we did:

  1. J figured that pompoms soaked up water and upon squeezing it, he noticed that water came out and said it resembled the rainy day outside our windows.

  2. E was intrigued with how water dripped in different directions when she squeezed a wet pompom. It dripped down her arms and table!

  3. W used both his hands to squeeze water out of pompoms. He also tried fitting in as much “heavy” and “bloated” pompoms inside a cup. 

  4. L preferred using tongs to transfer wet pompoms and yarns inside cups. He also “discovered” splashing water by hitting the table with his hands which caused splish-splashing giggles from his friends.

  5. S used two spoons to scoop and transfer water from one spoon to another.

  6. N tried out different types of tongs to see which one works for her the best in collecting pompoms.

It is interesting to note that the yellow strings reminded most of us of noodles in soup and are favorite pasta dishes!

Peeling & Sticking Station

Part of our hands include fingers and nails. This activity allowed us to use these two special parts to peel the protective seal off the tape for us to stick black paper on it. The way the tape was arranged made it seem like it has a special meaning behind it. We hope to find out what it is as we work on it more in the coming weeks.

Apart from using our fingers and nails, this activity also works on our eye hand coordination and spatial awareness as long strips of tape to be peeled off require both our eyes and hands to be on alert.

K worked with Goh San in peeling off the white protective seal while L & S collaborated together in trying out this activity on their own. Not only is this activity beneficial for our fine motor skills but our social skills as well!

Tidying Up during Transition Periods

We allot time in building up our confidence and skills to be independent and responsible members of the class during transition periods aka clean up/pack away time. Our teachers have been very proud of our progress in this area. Sharing with you our accomplishments which we hope we can practice at home too!

  1. E and J took initiative in getting towels to wipe the floor dry

  2. W helped E in putting the fruit puzzle pieces back

  3. S picked up puzzle pieces from the floor and placed back inside its proper container

Rainy Cloud “Good Morning Song”

The strong rain has been the topic for the past few days… hence, a rainy cloud (blue cloth) came in to visit our class to greet us a “Good Morning!” The rainy cloud made us smile once it stopped to sit on our heads, signaling us to introduce ourselves. Rainy days don’t seem gloomy anymore!

Gentle Hands to Take Care of Babies

Learning to become aware of using gentle hands is part of growing up. Given our age, we occasionally may forget to use it as we learn how to socialize and relay our needs & wants better to each other.

To guide us, we did a pretend play wherein for a few minutes, we became big brothers and sisters who are in charge of taking care of little babies (stuffed toys). Being given this role turned a switch on in us to become gentle and mindful children. With our gentle hands, we soothed the babies by stroking its back, heads, and tummies…  just like how our teachers do when we get upset. We also practiced putting on diapers for our babies!

It was indeed another wonderful day! Take care and stay dry everyone!

Love, 

Buds Class Children