This month we have been working on our self-regulation and expressing our feelings. As for our classroom roles, I planned activities according to the children’s interests. This day school age chose to make squishy balloons. Squishy balloons are a fun way to explore textures, and work to help the children to reduce tension in their body which will, in turn, reduce stress. It is also a great opportunity for children to develop many skills, such as hand-eye coordination while using the funnel to fill the balloon, measuring the amount of flour that we need to fill our balloons, strengthening their fine-motor skills by squeezing and squishing their balloons. This also strengthened their problem-solving skills as they were challenged to fill the balloons with flour. Carter, Gabriel, and Jenica chose to draw emoji features on their balloons. Cater said, “I am happy, I want to draw a happy face.” “Me too, I am happy because I am the smartest girl. My mom said that.” said Jenica. “. You know that I can make the best squishy balloon, because I am a scientist.” said Gabriel. Neveah, Lucy, and Parker focused on measuring their balloons with a perfect amount of flour. The children had the opportunity to discuss their feelings, while working as a group, and strengthened their social and communication skills. It was a nice activity and all the children loved it, and asked to repeat it again another day.
“Reflective practitioners participate in play, guiding children’s planning, decision-making and communication, and extending children’s explorations with narrative, novelty and challenges. When adults become involved in children’s play, they help with the difficult spots: they may sequence activities in a way that is clearer and reinforces learning or use language that helps to clarify challenges and solutions.” ELECT, p. 14
