Fun with Pattern Blocks

When I taught elementary school, my 4th graders loved pattern blocks. So much so, in fact, that I decided to get some for the preschool program. We had used them previously to sort by color, shape, etc. but this time we gave everyone a pile to create whatever they wanted. We showed the children how pattern blocks should fit together with no spaces between them. The only instruction given was that the pattern blocks should be put side by side and not stacked upward. Everyone did a great job! They created everything from "butterflies" to "dragons." =) This activity is great for fine motor skills and reasoning skills.

Earth Day 2010

Tomorrow is Earth Day 2010. If you need some ideas, we will be celebrating Earth Day with the following fun activities:

1) Earth Day songs- we selected a few, but more can be found here.

Earth Day song - Sung to "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"

Earth Day, Earth Day,
Comes once a year.
But we should make our message clear.
Love and clean our Earth each day.
Make that plan a plan to stay.
Earth Day, Earth Day,
Comes once a year,
Love and care for our Earth so dear.

Recycling Song - Sung to "Row Row Row Your Boat"

Save, save, save the cans, throw them in the bin,
We can help to save the earth if we all pitch in.

Save, save, save the paper....
Save, save, save the bottles....
Save, save, save the plastics....

2) Craft Idea- Litter Bugs (instructions can be found here)

Our children were instructed to bring in a bag of washed trash for this craft activity. We have hot glue guns and google eyes ready to go!

3) Interactive Story- Pollution and Recycling (found here)

This is a fun, interactive story in which the children learn about water pollution and the importance of recycling. They will practice sorting the trash they brought in by plastics, papers, glass, etc.

4) Cooking Activity- Dirt Cake!

What do you get when you combine chocolate pudding, whipped cream/whipped topping, crushed oreos, and gummi worms? Dirt cake, of course. Some recipes call for more ingredients such as cream cheese, but I like to keep it simple. It'll just be more of a pudding/mousse consistency. A recipe can be found here.

I'll post pics tomorrow! Happy Earth Day, everyone!