EAGLES NEST
EAGLES NEST
This month, we explored a variety of water and sensory table experiences. We investigated color mixing using colored water and snow, observing how the colors changed and combined. Some children experimented further by adding snow into cups of colored water, creating a slushy texture and noticing how the consistency changed.
We worked together to developed their fine motor skills through the use of pipettes. This activity required coordination and control, as they learned to squeeze and release the pipettes to draw up the colored water. Through practice, they strengthened their hand muscles and improved their ability to control small, precise movements.
Color mixing & snow activity
Sensory bin
We got creative and explored water temperature using a sensory bin filled with ice and warm water. When the warm water was poured over the ice, it created cracking sounds that amazed the children and sparked their curiosity about why the sound occurred. This led to meaningful conversations and encouraged them to think about cause and effect.
During this experience, it developed our hand-eye coordination through scooping and pouring. The changing textures and temperatures provided a new sensory experience, which inspired different types of exploration and discussions among the environment.
Another sensory experience this month took place on St. Patrick’s Day, when the children explored a green oobleck filled with coins and large clover sequins. They were drawn to the bright color and were excited to discover the shiny surprises hidden within.
Corn Starch magic provided a fascinating sensory experience, as it behaves like both a liquid and a solid. When left alone, it flows like a liquid, but when the children squeezed it in their hands, it became more solid. This unique texture sparked curiosity and encouraged active exploration.
One favorite was the “Find the Correct Shape” activity, where we matched building blocks to shapes on paper and placed them in the right spots. This fun challenge helped support their shape recognition
Another color-matching activity the children enjoyed involved colorful pegs and peg boards. Some of the children worked together, stacking the pegs as high as they could. They squealed with delight when their towers grew tall, and laughed when they eventually toppled over. Each time, they worked together to pick up the pieces and try again.
We engaged in a variety of painting experiences. Especially painting at the easel, where working on a vertical surface helped strengthen different muscle groups. Where they can demonstrated focus and intention as they painted. Some children also began to explore more freely, noticing paint on their hands and experimenting with hand painting and smearing it across the paper. This allowed for creative expression while also encouraging sensory exploration.
Our group art project this month was a recycled “garden” scene. We worked on this project over several days, gradually adding more color and detail. In connection with Health Awareness Month, we chose to create a garden featuring corn stalks, bean plants, tomato plants, and potatoes growing in the ground.
The children enjoyed mixing colors and painting on a variety of recycled materials. They explored and noticed the different textures of items such as egg cartons, paper rolls, newspaper, wool roving, and various lids. This hands-on experience encouraged creativity while also helping them become more aware of how different materials feel and respond to paint.
We had a special guest this past month, Grandmother Tree, who came to speak to us about the Seven Teachings. In preparation for her visit, the children created a heart-shaped wall or door hanging as a collaborative art project. They painted the heart, used hole punchers to create shapes from their own artwork, glued the pieces on, and added a bit of sparkle. We worked together over a couple of days to complete the project. The final result was a beautiful piece that served as a thoughtful thank-you gift.
March brought some chilly temperatures, so we made great use of our gym space for active play! The children had a blast racing toy cars across the gym, testing how fast they could zoom from one end to the other. Others stayed active with a variety of ball games, building their hand-eye coordination through throwing, kicking, and catching. We also explored fun movement challenges, one child especially enjoyed practicing balance and strength by climbing their legs up the wall while keeping their hands on the ground. It was wonderful to see everyone staying active, trying new skills, and having fun together!
Friday Dance Party
We love our Friday Dance Parties! We enjoy using scarves while dancing to upbeat music, waving them, jumping up and down, and moving their bodies to the rhythm.
Through these experiences, the children are learning about different musical tempos. They begin to understand when music is slow and how to move gently, and how to build their movements as the music increases in intensity. When the music reaches a faster tempo, they respond with bigger, more energetic movements. These activities support the development of coordination, listening skills, and an early understanding of musical concepts, all while encouraging self-expression and joyful movement.
In April, we celebrated April Fools’ Day by sharing some fun and silly jokes together. We will explored Easter and Earth Day through a variety of engaging activities. As April is Poetry Month, we plan to spend time reading and enjoying different poems with the children.
With the arrival of warmer weather, we are excited to welcome spring and all the new learning opportunities it brings. The children will have chances to observe and explore the changing seasons, noticing signs of spring and engaging in new outdoor experiences. With Spring we love to puddle jump, please make sure to send splash pants and lots of extra clothes. As puddle jumping is wet fun!