This is a super week to be at MCP! Spring is just around the corner but we are going to turn up the heat and jump into summer! Here are some things that are happening in our room---
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| Scuba Gear |
Last week, we had our seashore set up in the dramatic play. We have 'scuba gear' for the children for deep sea diving. This is an easy enough craft to create at home for fun or for a birthday party favor. We use the scuba air tanks for our fire station as air tanks and in our space ship for rocket boosters. I submitted and had this idea published in Family Fun magazine over twelve years ago (if you go to the page it says 'of Charleston, Illinois' and we haven't been there for awhile!) I like this craft because of the multiple uses.
How To---
http://metamoracommunityprek.blogspot.com/2010/02/super-summer-seashore-safari-scuba-gear.html
http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/space-crafts-702457/4/
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| Surf Boards |
Surf boards are a must for any self respecting beach bum. When we started this unit I couldn't find any 'play' surfboards that would withstand the day-to-day play of preschoolers (I have seen some in craft and party stores since but I think they are pricey). The surfboards had to meet the qualifications of preschool crafting---cheap and easy but they also had to be easily stored. AHA!!! Left over carpet in my basement and some acrylic paint. These two surfboards are the hit of the beach. The children LOVE them!!! You could probably also use an old doormat or small area rug.
'Feed the Shark' is one of the most popular activities in our discovery center. I bought this shark at a garage sale and I think it was part of a board game. I purchased fish at The School House in Peoria on Glen (great store). More info---http://metamoracommunityprek.blogspot.com/2011/02/feed-shark.html
How to lace a lei---
I have bought dozens of those shell necklaces and taken them apart. They are mixed with larger shells. We have a magnifying glass and sorting trays with the shells for exploration, counting, sorting and patterns. We also have shells in the playdough and of course in the dramatic play. We also put small shells in the art center.
These activities and others should keep us pretty busy this week. Want to do more??? Sure you do!!! Plan a beach party at your house for next weekend. Keep it simple. Have the family dress up in summer clothes. Have hamburgers or hotdogs for supper. Buy a pineapple. Get out umbrellas and beach towels and set up a little 'beach' in the house. Put on beach music---Beach Boys, Hawaiian music. Search YouTube and learn how to hula. Get a broom or long stick and limbo. Did you honeymoon or vacation at great beach? Show the kids your pictures. You get the idea. Keep it simple and keep it fun!
