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Monday, July 15, 2013

Summer science

Kids thrive on a schedule, so now that school is out, I've been doing my best to keep up on a regular routine. Every night before I go to bed, I put up our schedule for the next day on the garage door using my magnetic word strips. Every day is different, but there are a few things that I include every day: we start every day with yoga, we do morning jobs every day, we read twice a day, and we do water play and a project every day. Our water play varies quite a bit--a lot of days we just play in our kiddie pool in the backyard, but we also go to Smoot Park to play in the water there, to various splash pads, or to our generous neighbor's house to swim in the "big" pool. 
Our projects vary, too. I try to rotate between learning skills (practice cutting, writing, etc), science, and art.
Last week we did a science practical life activity. I prepared a tray with a bowl of baking soda, a bowl of purple glitter, a bottle of vinegar, food coloring, two "potions" bottles, and a funnel, plus a few spoons for scooping baking soda and glitter. After quiet time, I told the girls they were going to make magic potions!


It was an immediate success!




After a while of watching the potion overflow whenever she poured vinegar into the bottle, Tempe wanted to pour her potion into a clear container so she could see the colors and glitter better. I found a wide glass jar and gave her a spoon to stir with as well.



Helena was content to watch it overflow again and again and again!
At first I was having a hard time thinking of something to do every day, but I've found that it gets easier and easier. But that doesn't mean I won't take ideas from others!

1 comment:

Lisa said...

You need to publish a book of summer activities!