I learned about the blog, Sand and Water Tables from Teacher Tom. I was immediately drawn to the idea of creating more three dimensional ways to transport objects.
To begin I created cardboard dividers with doors and windows. They transported rice and beans using shovels and small containers.
Children of all ages were drawn to the table. I always find it challenging to engage my 5-year-olds who have been in the program for three years because they've seen it all. Thrice.
The dividers challenged children to take turns transferring through windows. It encouraged conversation and imaginative play through the doors and windows (knock knock, who is it?). Children had to problem solve when they emptied their quadrant of rice and beans.
This was the initial conversation that ensued:
-I opened the door.
-I want to pour it over the top
-(knocking) Are you there?
- A water fall!
-(knocking) You may not come in!
-Incoming!
-I like this. I'll do it every day. (Indeed he has!)
The end!
To begin I created cardboard dividers with doors and windows. They transported rice and beans using shovels and small containers.
The dividers challenged children to take turns transferring through windows. It encouraged conversation and imaginative play through the doors and windows (knock knock, who is it?). Children had to problem solve when they emptied their quadrant of rice and beans.
This was the initial conversation that ensued:
-I opened the door.
-I want to pour it over the top
-(knocking) Are you there?
- A water fall!
-(knocking) You may not come in!
-Incoming!
-I like this. I'll do it every day. (Indeed he has!)
The end!