Sensory Explorations and Magical Art in Extended Day-Part 1

Kitah Daled Extended Day has been involved in a variety of sensory experiences this year.

This exploration began with shaving cream manipulation.

The children scraped and scooped the shaving cream to reveal the picture hidden beneath. 

Noticing that many children seem to enjoy submerging their hands into the fragrant, velvety substance, the children are offered another way to continue their exploration of shaving cream.

  

They are presented with shaving cream and finger paint in a variety of colors.

Some children used their fingers to mix and spread the concoction.

Using various tools, they created new shades and and textures on the paper.

The result of the finger paint and shaving cream experiment are fluffy, rainbow-colored clouds.

Next the children made beads for our Thanksgiving celebration.

First they sculpted Air-Dry clay into various shapes.

Next, they used a skewer to make a hole in each piece of clay.

The children painted the beads using a wintery pastel palette.

They finished off their creations with our signature glitter explosion!

After the beads were dry, the children sealed the clay with a layer of Modge Podge.

Following this, we presented the children with a Salt Painting experience.

                           They used watercolors in squeeze bottles to squirt onto paper. 

Some children used applicators to move the paint around on their paper.

They then sprinkled Epsom and table salt over the paint. 

The salt soaked up the liquid and once the liquid evaporated, crystals appeared on the paper.

The children remarked on the bumpy texture and exclaimed over the faceted clusters that emerged like rainbow-fire works sparkling and stretching across the page.

Stay tuned! This only part one of Extended Day's Magical Art Exploration. There is so much more to come!

Outdoor Play in Kitah Alef

 Outdoor Play is one of the highlights of our day in Kitah Alef.  We are fortunate to have multiple play areas to explore on the playground. The newest addition to our playground is the moveable wooden obstacle course gifted to IJP by the generous donations from the grandparents after our annual Grandparent Thanksgiving Feast . 

From running to climbing, toddlers are constantly on the go pushing their physical capabilities daily.  These stable and portable outdoor structures enable us to set up new configurations to explore, offering us an array of gross motor play opportunities. 

The ramp provides the children opportunities to strengthen their balance, coordination and motor skills while they walk up and down the ramp holding the railings for support. 

We have also been experimenting rolling balls down the ramp with our friends. 

Tunnels offer an interactive way to play and explore. Crawling or scooting through the tunnel enhances a child's core muscles and strengthens their bilateral coordination. Navigating the tunnel is extra fun with a window to peek through!

The stepping stones are so versatile and loved by all! The children are able to step on from the lowest one and make their way to the tallest stone. With a Morah standing by, the children practice their jumping skills. The low heights of the platform allow for safe and active exploration while playing!

We have noticed the children's creativity here as some friends have been using the stepping stones as drums! Some friends bang using their hands while others have been using found sticks to experiment with sounds. 

The balance beam is where the children hone in on their spatial awareness and their bodies response to their movement. Walking across the balance beam requires concentration, hand-eye coordination, and core strength.  This newest addition to our playground has been a big hit amongst the Kitah Alef children and a great asset to their gross motor development!