Rainy Days and Dancing in Extended Day

Rainy days can be seen in two ways- either as a day when the mood is dampened and we can't  play outside, or as an opportunity to learn and explore.  

Last week during extended day we explored and created with wind. This week we decided the explore the rain that we had been having the past few days. 

Why does it rain? And where does the rain come from?

We set up an experiment to find out. 

We filled up a clear jug with water and then filled up four additional cups. The children then helped to color each one with a different color. 

Then we added a "cloud" of shaving cream to the top of the water jug.

We pointed up to the real clouds in the sky and discussed that the reason why it rains is because the cloud slowly gets more and more full with water, until it gets too full that it can't hold anymore, so it starts to let some out- and it starts to rain. 

We used this experiment to experience this visually. The children all carefully started putting some of the colored water into the shaving cream cloud. We saw that it was getting more and more full until the colors then starting 'raining' out!

They had so much fun added more and more colors and watching it slowly raining out of the shaving cream. 

The more colors they put into the 'cloud' the more 'rain' came out, and after using up all the colors, the jar was full and dark and looked quite like a thunderstorm! What a cool way to visualize the rain process!

On a separate note, the extended day girls who participated in dance class had their end of year dance recital on Thursday! The adorable little ballerinas did such a great job showing us their pointed toes, passe's and plie's to name a few!  

And let's not forget the Extended Day boys who sat so nicely and quietly throughout the whole thing, and of course made sure to applause at the appropriate times! Enjoy some pictures below.