Here at RisingOaks | John Sweeney the toddlers discovered the melting playground as the weather outside warmed up a bit. The toddler class spent time outside exploring the playground when some children noticed two small bins filled with snow. They gathered closely, curious and excited to see something so cold and sparkly. They reached out with their hands, touching the snow and water began to squish out of the snow. “Water!” Myles yelled as he touched the top, “Debbie water!”
As the toddlers gathered and explored, an educator gently tipped the bin upside down onto the ground. To the children’s surprise, leaves were revealed frozen into the bottom of the ice. The children pointed, crouched down, and looked closely, showing excitement and curiosity about what was trapped inside. Educators explained that the snow had melted a little and then refroze, trapping the leaves underneath.
Educators shared that the weather had turned a bit warmer and explained how snow changes when temperatures rise and begins to melt, turning into ice, and then water. To extend the exploration, educators brought out wooden bricks for the children to use to tap and break the ice. The toddlers eagerly participated, experimenting with the bricks and watching as small cracks formed and pieces of ice broke away. This supported problem solving, coordination, and cause and effect learning.
The following day, educators extended this learning by bringing another bin of melting snow indoors. Inside the classroom, the children explored the snow in a familiar, calm environment and noticed how it melted more quickly indoors. Educators revisited conversations about warm and cold, snow, ice, and water, helping children connect their outdoor discoveries with their indoor observations.
Through these hands on experiences, the children engaged in rich sensory play and early scientific thinking. They practised observation, communication, and curiosity while learning that materials can change depending on temperature. Exploring melting snow, frozen leaves, and breaking ice provided a meaningful and memorable learning experience rooted in discovery and play.
