Pumpkin Volcanoes!

 We had one of our favorite explorations so far this morning with pumpkin volcanoes! We used the shells of the pumpkins we washed on Tuesday and cleaned out on Wednesday, baking soda, vinegar, and dish soap for this experiment. The children helped us pour the baking soda in the pumpkins and then watched as Ms. Krysti poured in some dish soap and vinegar to start the eruption! The children were so excited to see the bubbles, so we let them come over to feel them. They asked for more bubbles, so we poured a little more vinegar in to see if we could make more. We left the pumpkins in the outdoor classroom and we will look to see if there are any changes in the pumpkins next week when we go back to that space! We also have saved some pumpkin seeds to plant and to share with other classes if they would like to plant pumpkins.

Pumpkin Volcanoes

We heard so many of our friends say "Bubbles!" during this exploration.

We had to share these pictures of our little mischief makers. We do allow the children to explore the room in creative ways as long as they do so safely. These friends were exploring the limits of what they were able to do with their bodies. We watched as they figured out not only how to climb in to the sensory table, but also climb out safely. A couple of our friends asked for help to get back down, but they were so proud of themselves for being strong enough and clever enough to problem solve their way to a goal.

In fine motor work today, we tried to make lines using stickers. Peeling the stickers off is becoming easier for the children and they did a great job of placing the stickers on the paper. We aren't quite ready to follow lines yet, but we will continue working on the concept as the children get older.

Indiana Early Learning Foundations:

ELA1.2: Use single words or simple phrases

ELA3.1: Imitate simple lines and shapes

SE1.1: Show sense of self satisfaction with own abilities and preferences

SE4.1: Engage in parallel play

APL1.2: Use active exploration to solve a problem

APL2.1: Show creativity, inventiveness, and flexibility in approach to play with adult guidance

APL3.1: Focus on an activity for short periods of time despite distractions

SC1.1: Notice and react to cause and effect within the physical environment

SC5.1: Solve problems using trial and error

SS2.4: Begin to understand and follow basic guidance

SS3.3: Show interest in various aspects of the environment

PHG2.1: Respond to adult direction to change behavior in order to avoid danger or prevent injuries

PHG2.2: Demonstrate awareness of own body in space and in relationship to objects

PHG3.1: Develop gross motor control for a range of physical activities