I know what we need...Duct Tape!

Ms. Szymaszek’s Investigations:

What tools will we need to fix the feeder? 

April 9-13

The children have taken responsibility over filling the bird feeders when they become empty.  On Wednesday, April 4^th, the children filled the bird feeder—but the wind knocked it down and broke it.  On Monday, April 9^th, the children discussed what they would need to fix the feeder: “We need duct tape!”  “Or maybe a drill and some screws to keep it together.”  “I know!  Gorilla Glue!”  The children explored the tool box to identify which tools to use to fix the feeder.

How many scoops will it take?

Ms. Szymaszek’s Investigations:

What do we need to feed the birds?

April 2-6

On Tuesday, April 3, the children noticed a visitor at our window bird-feeder—a sparrow sat and ate the seeds in the feeder.  To further our bird investigation, Ms. Amy brought in two new bird feeders and bird seed.  The children estimated how many scoops it would take to fill the feeder—“I think it will take 100!”  “No, I think it will take, like, 20.”  One child recorded how many scoops of bird seed it took, using a check mark and a numeral to tally the scoops of seed.

If You're Happy and You Know It...

Ms. Szymaszek’s Investigations:

If You're Happy and You Know it...Squeeze Some Lemons!

March 21-28

On Wednesday, March 21, the children were exploring with sand and bottles in the sand table.  One of the children put a straw in the bottle and said, “Look, I made you some lemonade!” We encouraged this exploration by giving the children a large box. “This is our lemonade stand so we can have people buy it.” Some of the children used markers to add a pictures to the box. “It’s a sign for our lemonade.” A lot of our sand ended up on the floor. During group time, we brainstormed ideas to have a cleaner lemonade stand. “We can be careful.” “We can make actual lemonade!”   

 The children determined they wanted to make real lemonade.  Through family donations and a parent volunteer, the children were able to  create lemonade and “pink lemonade” on Wednesday, March 28.  The children worked with teachers to wash, roll and squeeze the lemons, cut the strawberries, “squinch” the strawberries, sifted the juice from the seeds, and mixed the lemonade.  Using measuring cups, spoons, and knives, the children created their own lemonade for snack.  The extra was served at the Early Childhood Program Exhibit on Wednesday, April 4.