GARDEN STEPPING STONES & IRON FILINGS MAGNET FUN
today's activity idea
Iron Filing Magnet Fun
Magnets are always super fun for kids. Throw in some iron filings and it takes magnet fun to a whole new level. This simple science activity can be used again and again. All you need is a magnet and some iron filings for hours and hours of fun.
Materials Needed:
- iron filings
- magnet(s)
- plate or tray
- other small metal items (optional)
- different magnets (optional)
Directions:
Put a small handful size of iron filings on the tray or plate.
Remind your child to keep them out of their mouth.
Give your child a magnet, and let them have fun moving it on the top, and bottom, of the tray to see all the different designs and results they can get.
- iron filings
- magnet(s)
- plate or tray
- other small metal items (optional)
- different magnets (optional)
Directions:
Put a small handful size of iron filings on the tray or plate.
Remind your child to keep them out of their mouth.
Give your child a magnet, and let them have fun moving it on the top, and bottom, of the tray to see all the different designs and results they can get.
To encourage exploration, allow your child to try other magnets and items, too!
Science is all about testing and finding results.
Enjoy the beautiful designs!
Here are some online supply resources to take your magnet exploration even further:
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Next time your kids are bored, now you have another easy activity to quickly pull out.
Learning Activities
HANDWRITING
We have the children practice name writing each day. Young ones should trace, older ones can try on their own when they are ready :)
SAMPLE NAME PRACTICE HERE
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CIRCLE (MAIN LEARNING)
See Our Current Daily Songs Here:
See Our Current Daily Songs Here:
Math Concept - Time: Learning to match time on the half hour on a clock to digital time
This week we continue to practice how to tell the time on the hour for a clock.
Spanish: We are reviewing our "Head, Shoulders, Knees, & Toes" song
Numbers: practicing 21-30 this week
(cut out fun shapes or go to the Dollar Store and write numbers on them, have your child put them in order, fill in the missing spots, etc)
Sight words "Where is my pet?"
You can just write the words on a paper, then have your child think of ways to end the sentence and "read" it to you.
Word Matching Practice:
Today we will be practicing matching words that begin with "m" and "n" to the right letter, and matching the word with the picture. At home, you can make your own or purchase the Sunshine Learn to Read Program to get a complete set already made to download. It's fun to play matching games to practice beginning reading!
What else can you find around the house that starts with m or n?
Review letter names/sounds
(We do this every day with a different twist in class so the kids don't forget them!)
ART Activity
Garden Stones from Plaster of Paris
This is a super fun project you can do with a few simples supplies from your local craft or hardware store.
We are using them as Mother's Day gifts this year, but you can easily do this just for fun!
The ideas are endless as you can vary the size, etc, and use them for whatever you can dream up. My youngest child used some of the extra mix I had to make little "stepping stones" for her fairy village.
Materials:
Plaster of Paris
Water
Plastic cup or empty can for measuring
Old container for mixing
Stirring stick
Items for decorating (we used floral gems, mosaic pieces, & shells)
A container for the mold (we used clear plastic flower pot bases)
Toothpicks if you want to write a name or date
Newspaper to cover the work area
Waterproof spray for protection if putting outside
Directions:
Pour 2 parts plaster of paris to about 1 part water (go easy on the water & add more if needed).
Stir well. The consistency should be like pancake batter.
Pour into your mold to the desired thickness (we made ours 1/2-3/4 inch thick).
Let harden for a little while - can take about 20 minutes or so.
Make handprints if desired, add decorations.
Set to harden - sunshine can help it go a little quicker.
Once set, carefully remove from the mold.
If using outside, spray with a waterproof protectant.
Now, ENJOY!
Here are some supply resources:
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story, finger play, music & movement
STORY: "I Don't Want to Be a Frog"
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Music:
The Freeze Dance Song on the CD is one of our favorites in class. If you have Amazon Prime, you should be able to play it for free.
If not, the one on the right is a different option on YouTube.
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Finger Play: "Speckled Frogs"
Nursery Rhyme: Row Your Boat
The MOST important part of teaching preschoolers is...
KEEP IT FUN!
Be sure to try to get your kids outside each day as much as possible, too!
Stomp in some puddles.
Find some worms.
Watch the clouds.
Go for a walk.
Look for animals.
Search for acorns, leaves, & pinecones.
FRESH AIR AND SUNSHINE ARE GOOD FOR THE SOUL!
And movement helps children develop and grow.
xoxo, Jennifer
