This month in Toddler 1 ar RisingOaks Early Learning | St. Patrick, the children have been observed taking interest in snow and ice, colour exploration, cause and effect, and building and construction during outdoor play. We enhanced this interest when Eria introduced a sensory and creative activity with large blocks of ice, and the children were invited to paint them using brushes. The children eagerly explored the cold surfaces, noticing how the paint moved across the ice and how the colours blended as the ice slowly melted. We then continue the experience by introducing a smaller-sized coloured ice, encouraging the children to paint with them by sliding them on paper, observing how the melting ice created colourful patterns and marks.

Building on these experiences, we also expanded into a building and construction experience by introducing ice in different shapes and sizes, along with popsicle sticks, arranged on a tray. The children were invited to explore the materials at the table. Upon touching the ice, Rahiya exclaimed, “It’s too cold!” She attempted to use a popsicle stick to pick up the ice, but it kept sliding. Demonstrating persistence, she tried again and eventually placed a stick on top of a cube of ice. Shortly after, Hudson and Elias joined the activity. Hudson began placing popsicle sticks across the ice and proudly announced, “I making train track!” Elias gently touched the ice with his fingers and said, “Oh! Oh! Cold…” Despite the sensation, he continued stacking the ice pieces.

Adalynn selected a large round piece of ice and carefully stacked different ice shapes on top of one another. After completing her structure, Arcely asked, “Wow, Adalynn, what did you make?” Adalynn confidently replied, “A tower!” When Arcely asked, “Can I go  in tower?” Adalynn smiled and responded, “No… you’re big.” Nearby, Cassidy quietly stacked her ice with a focused and serious expression, demonstrating concentration and persistence throughout the activity.

Through this ice building and construction experience, the children demonstrated curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity as they explored stacking, balancing, and cause and effect. They engaged their senses while adapting to the cold texture of the ice, using tools such as popsicle sticks to support their exploration. The children expressed their ideas through language, imaginative play, and focused actions while engaging alongside peers, showing growing confidence, persistence, and social