Squishy-Making Club: Creativity and Child-Led Learning

Through observations and conversations with the school-age children, we asked what types of lunchtime clubs they would like to see offered. One idea that generated excitement was a Squishy-Making Club! The children have shown a strong interest in creating their own squishies by folding and shaping paper, colouring and designing their creations, and filling them with soft fluff to give them a squishy texture. This club provides an opportunity for children to express their individuality and creativity while bringing their ideas to life. As they design and assemble their creations, they practise fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, and planning. By listening to the children's interests and incorporating their ideas into our programming, we encourage them to take ownership of their learning, explore new possibilities, and build confidence in their creative abilities.

Making Pancakes for Morning Snack

One of our school-age children expressed an interest in helping prepare our morning snack. After reviewing the instructions, they carefully measured the required ingredients with educator supervision and mixed the pancake batter. They then poured the batter onto the griddle and patiently watched as the pancakes cooked. Once they appeared ready, they checked for doneness using a toothpick with educator guidance.

The child took great pride in learning this new life skill and seeing their efforts come together. They also demonstrated leadership and thoughtfulness by placing each freshly made pancake onto a plate for a peer to enjoy. This hands-on cooking experience provided an opportunity to practise measuring, following instructions, and developing kitchen safety awareness while building confidence, independence, and a sense of responsibility. It was wonderful to see the child take initiative and experience the satisfaction of preparing something special to share with others!