Lately the children in Toddler 1 have been interested in the water droppers we have in the classroom. We have used them for several activities now, and the children continue to be very engaged while they work to understand how to use them! To continue following their interest, the children were introduced to more science and art experiences using the water droppers. A science experience was planned, and each child was given their own tray with baking soda, a cup filled with a colourful vinegar mixture, and a water dropper. Many of the children seemed curious about the water dropper. The children were encouraged to use the water droppers to support their fine motor/hand-eye coordination skills by squeezing the water dropper, filling it up with the mixture, and then squirting it onto the tray! In addition, this experiment was a great way to support children’s colour recognition skills, and gave them a chance to be creative with what colours they wanted to use. Jameson did well, maneuvering the water dropper to add vinegar to his tray. When Archer noticed the fizzy bubbles forming on his tray he said, “Woah!”. Romelo used the water dropper a few times, and then decided to pour the vinegar mixture all over the tray making one big fizzy bubble!
To follow the children’s interest, an art experience was planned. As a way to honour Remembrance Day in Toddler 1 the children were invited to create Remembrance Day Poppy Art. This activity included a few fine-motor materials that help develop and improve on fine-motor development skills, which included the following materials; paper coffee filters, water droppers, and red water colour paint! This activity allowed for development within the children’s fine-motor skills, along with some hand-eye coordination abilities. By using their fingers to squeeze the water dropper, the children were able to strengthen fine motor skills, and by locating where they wanted to drop the red water colour on their paper coffee filters, it greatly supports their hand-eye coordination abilities. Our toddlers seemed very eager to start this activity! With one child even pointing to the paper coffee filter on the table and said to an educator, “Look, flower!". The educator then explained to the children that the flower is called a "Poppy”. We wear them in November to the honour Canadian soldiers and is a symbol of both Remembrance and hope for a peaceful future.
These experiences created opportunities to foster the children’s emerging interests and skills. We wonder what else we could do with the water droppers!
