What We Did This Week
july 7, 2025
Today, our stars had a blast with two exciting farm-themed activities that allowed them to learn about farm life and develop important skills through play!
Herding Sheep
Materials:
• Cotton Balls
• Tongs
• Ice Cube Tray, Bowl, or Cup
Instructions:
In this fun and engaging activity, our stars became sheep farmers for the day! We scattered cotton balls all over the floor and explained that the sheep had escaped because the gate was left open. Our stars used tongs to carefully pick up the “sheep” and return them to their fenced-in area (an ice cube tray, bowl, or cup).
What Our Stars Learned:
• Fine Motor Skills: Using tongs to pick up the cotton balls helps strengthen our stars’ hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
• Problem Solving: This activity encouraged critical thinking and problem-solving as the children figured out how to get all the “sheep” back into their safe areas.
• Understanding Farm Life: Our stars learned a little bit about the work of a sheep farmer and the importance of keeping animals safe on the farm!
Corn Kernel Sensory Bucket
Materials:
• Bag of Corn Kernels
• Big Bowl
• Spoons, Scoops, Bowls, Measuring Cups
Instructions:
In this sensory-rich activity, we explored corn kernels, which farmers grow on their farms. Our stars scooped, poured, and transferred the kernels using different utensils, learning about the texture and feeling of dried corn. They enjoyed playing in the kernels while learning about how farmers harvest corn.
What Our Stars Learned:
• Sensory Exploration: Through this hands-on activity, our stars explored the texture of corn kernels, which helped develop their tactile senses.
• Measuring and Pouring: The children practiced using spoons, scoops, and measuring cups, helping to build their math and fine motor skills.
• Farm Knowledge: This activity introduced our stars to the concept of farming and the process of harvesting crops like corn.
july 8, 2025
Learning about Chickens summer camp!
Have you ever wondered, “Which came first: the chicken or the egg?” Today, our stars explored this fun and fascinating question through a science activity all about the chicken life cycle!
We learned that a chicken’s life has three distinct stages:
1. Egg
2. Chick
3. Chicken
On average, a chicken lives between three to five years, with some breeds living even longer. After discovering the stages of a chicken’s life, we played a fun game to help us remember each step!
Game: What Am I?
Instructions:
In this game, we looked at pictures of chickens in each stage of their life cycle and discussed what we saw. For example, we showed a card and said, “This is a picture of a hatchling.” Then, we laid down 3 cards representing the stages of the chicken’s life cycle: egg, chick, and chicken. We pointed to each card and named it.
What Our Stars Learned:
• The Chicken Life Cycle: Our stars learned about the different stages of a chicken’s life, from egg to chick to full-grown chicken!
• Observation Skills: By looking at the pictures and talking about what we saw, children developed their observation and vocabulary skills.
• Sequencing: The game helped our stars practice sequencing the stages of the chicken life cycle in order.
Chicken Life Cycle Craft
In addition to the game, we also created a chicken life cycle craft to help our stars visualize the process and remember the stages of life for a chicken. This hands-on activity encouraged creativity and allowed the children to connect their craft with what they learned during the lesson.
What Our Stars Learned:
• Fine Motor Skills: Cutting, coloring, and assembling the craft helped strengthen fine motor skills.
• Creative Expression: Each child added their personal touch to the craft, showing their understanding of the life cycle in their unique way.
July 9th, 2025
Today, our stars learned how to make butter right at school! This hands-on science experiment gave them a fun, interactive way to understand how simple ingredients can be turned into something delicious. We even talked about the science behind churning the cream and how butter is made.
Ingredients for Making Butter:
• Mason jar with a lid
• Marbles
• Salt
• Heavy whipping cream
• Paper towels
• A dish to hold the butter
Instructions:
1. Fill the Jar: We filled a mason jar halfway with heavy whipping cream, added a pinch of salt for flavor, and placed 4 marbles inside to help churn the butter.
2. Shake the Jar: With the lid securely on, we shook the jar for about 10-15 minutes. The children enjoyed the shaking process while watching the cream separate into butter and liquid!
3. Squeeze Out the Liquid: After shaking, we opened the jar and found a lump of butter! We wrapped it in a paper towel and squeezed out any excess liquid.
4. Refrigerate the Butter: Finally, we placed the butter on a dish and stored it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
What Our Stars Learned:
• The Science of Butter: Our stars learned how churning cream turns it into butter and how simple ingredients like cream and salt can be transformed with a little science and patience.
• Cause and Effect: Through this activity, children saw how the shaking of the jar caused the cream to change into butter, helping them understand the idea of cause and effect.
• Fine Motor Skills: Shaking the jar for 10-15 minutes helped develop strength and coordination in their little arms.
• Teamwork: The children worked together, taking turns shaking the jar, fostering teamwork and cooperation.
• Cultural Learning: We also talked about how butter is used in cooking and baking, and how it is an important part of many cultures’ foods!
This butter-making experiment was a great way for our stars to explore science, teamwork, and even a little cooking! They loved seeing how the cream transformed into butter right before their eyes. Ask your child about the experiment, and maybe they’ll even help you make butter at home!
