Smart Start Week 27

The sounds you hear at night while camping with "neighborhood" friends can create some of the most memorable experiences! This is exactly what our friends did during one of our Imagination Station activities this week. While some enjoyed listening to the noises outside their tent, others gathered around the campfire, fished for numbers in a small pond, or used a lantern to explore. Some used their imagination to pretend they were nannies caring for children, which involved rocking, changing, and feeding them. They were often seen sitting together, singing or telling stories to the little ones in their care.

Sensory activities provided numerous engaging and interactive ways to immerse oneself in Letter N tasks, fostering both creativity and developmental skills. One of the activities involved friends using their hands to squish and mash spaghetti noodles, a tactile experience that not only entertained but also played a role in strengthening the hand muscles essential for writing development. A very popular sensory activity featured the use of hammer and nails, or more specifically, golf tees, which offered an exciting opportunity for friends to engage in a hands-on experience that significantly enhanced their hand-eye coordination. By hammering the tees, children practiced their aim and precision, skills that are important not just for physical activities but also for tasks that require focus and accuracy. The introduction of night sky dough added yet another dimension to the sensory exploration. This unique dough served as a versatile medium that not only strengthened hand muscles but also ignited the imagination of the friends involved. As they sculpted everything from babies to donuts, they were not just playing; they were engaging in a creative process that allowed for self-expression and narrative development.

In addition to these activities, noodle necklaces emerged as a fun and fashionable trend. Friends enthusiastically strung colorful noodles onto strings, creating unique pieces of wearable art that they proudly displayed. This activity not only allowed for personal expression but also served to enhance fine motor skills as they threaded the noodles, improving dexterity and coordination. The act of wearing their creations also provided a sense of accomplishment and boosted self-esteem, reinforcing the idea that learning can be both enjoyable and rewarding. The use of silicone mats and squiggly noodle replicas provided an excellent platform for friends to focus their attention, solve problems, and further strengthen their fine motor skills. These mats served as a structured environment where children could engage in various tasks, such as tracing, sorting, or even creating patterns with the noodle replicas. Such activities encouraged concentration and critical thinking, as children had to plan their actions and consider the outcomes of their creations. Overall, these sensory activities surrounding Letter N enriched the learning experience and nurtured essential developmental skills.

We engaged in a variety of playful activities that incorporated numbers and mathematical concepts, enhancing our understanding of counting and strategic thinking. Among these activities, we enjoyed counting games such as Crazy 8’s, where we practiced our counting skills and developed our ability to strategize and anticipate our opponents' moves. Additionally, we played Connect 4, a game that required us to think critically about positioning and patterns, reinforcing our numerical skills in a fun and interactive way.

We utilized a toothbrush and white paint to flick droplets of paint onto sheets of black paper, resulting in our very own interpretations of a starry night sky. This technique allowed us to explore the concept of randomness and control in art, as we aimed for a balance between chaos and composition. We alow experimented with watercolor patterns, employing a variety of colors to create vibrant backgrounds. By layering these colors on black cardstock, we transformed simple materials into stunning works of art. Our handprints were incorporated into this process, symbolizing our unique contributions to the artwork. This hands-on approach allowed us to explore the concept of negative space, where the absence of paint became as significant as the painted areas. This artwork will proudly be displayed in our gallery.

Science exploration presented a wonderful opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of nocturnal animals, allowing us to discuss in detail which specific creatures we might encounter in our local area. We explored various species such as owls, raccoons, and bats, highlighting their unique adaptations that enable them to thrive in the dark. Friends eagerly participated in an engaging segment called Tasty Science, where they sampled an variety of noodles, and then cast their votes to determine their favorite. While a few adventurous souls expressed a preference for the spicy version of the noodles, the overwhelming majority voted for the creamy chicken flavor, which seemed to resonate with everyone’s taste buds. In addition to our culinary exploration, we also engaged another one of our five senses: smell. This sensory activity challenged us to identify various scents, providing an intriguing test of our olfactory abilities. While several individuals successfully recognized some of the smells presented, some participants found that certain scents evoked memories or were associated with specific places from their past. Their noses seemed to recall the scent by name or by the feelings and experiences tied to those familiar aromas, illustrating the powerful connection between smell and memory. Finally, the excitement continued as everyone had the chance to create their very own non-Newtonian liquid, a fascinating substance that behaves in unusual ways. During this hands-on experiment, participants learned about the unique properties of this liquid, discovering that it is challenging to stir and resists poking, yet it can flow and drip right through their fingers. This engaging activity not only provided a tactile experience but also sparked curiosity about the science behind non-Newtonian fluids.

In Wiggle Room for Letter N, we embarked on an exciting journey where we meticulously reviewed and practiced different beats across a wide array of music notes, allowing the children to explore rhythm and melody in a fun and engaging manner. Another Letter N inspired activity led us to a creative and imaginative activity where the children pretended to lay under a beautifully illustrated night sky. This immersive experience encouraged them to observe and describe the stars, planets, and constellations. As part of this imaginative play, the children engaged in a delightful activity where they used a variety of shadow and light sources to create animal shapes, bringing their creativity to life. This activity not only enhanced their fine motor skills but also encouraged teamwork as they collaborated to create larger shadow displays. To culminate our exciting Letter N week, we organized an exhilarating ninja course and comprehensive ninja training session. The children were thrilled to participate in various obstacle courses designed to mimic the agility and stealth of ninjas. They practiced important skills such as balance, coordination, and focus, all while engaging in imaginative play that allowed them to embody the spirit of a ninja. The enthusiasm and energy displayed by the children during this training were truly remarkable; I never imagined just how many adept ninjas we had in our midst. Their determination and creativity in overcoming challenges were inspiring, and it was a joy to witness their growth and confidence as they navigated the course with skill and excitement. Overall, the week was a wonderful blend of music, creativity, and physical activity, leaving lasting memories and valuable lessons for all involved.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Ms. Leah, Ms. Jacquita, and the Smart Start team