Thursday May 19

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAYLOR!

Taylor turns 6 today!

Today both groups of friends went to tumbling class!

Back at school, Tami read aloud several books and Melinda led a sculpture activity using salt dough. The recipe we use is as follows:

1 cup flour

1/2 cup salt

7 tbls water

(add water and flour to achieve desired consistency)

Here are a few of the many benefits of children working with salt dough:

1)Working with salt dough helps to gain control over hand and arm movements which improves coordination.

2)Great for fine/gross motor muscle development.

3)Salt dough is a natural outlet through which children can express their emotions.

4)Cooperative play and dramatic play can be seen when children use salt dough.

5)Discussing what has been made helps build communication skills and develops imagination

6) Dividing it up can be used to help children learn about numbers and counting.

7)Playing with salt dough with others helps children understand the importance of sharing.

To foster independence, Tami designed a salt dough “station” that friends can access on their own. There are two different colored/sized measuring cups for each dry ingredient. A small glass is used for the water, with 7 tablespoons clearly marked in words and a black line. A large ceramic bowl and wooden spoon are available for mixing.

Today nearly all of Wee Friends created with salt dough. They knew exactly the order of turn taking and waited patiently for their own turn!

Today for lunch we served cucumber and cream cheese on whole wheat tortillas and fruit salad.

Have a great day!