Water Trolley Number Fun!!

I bought these fantastic scissor grip scoops recently and thought they would be wonderful to teach and reinforce correct scissor grip and could be used with pom poms, bottle tops, rice, peas, sand- really anything!!! Recently, I used them in the water trolley with ping pong balls for a fun fine motor and number recognition activity.

Here are the scoops!!

I wrote the numbers 1-10 on ping pong balls.

I also wrote the numbers 1-10 on plastic cups and tied them together with string.

After tying them across the middle of the water trolley, I filled the trolley with water.

The children tried to pick up the balls with the scissor scoops and then put them in corresponding cups.

Tip them out and start again...

The children absolutely  loved this activity - you should try it!!

Niccola

Number Recognition and Number Sorting

Here's a quick sorting activity that will help young children learn and recognise the numbers 1-5. 

I set up this activity on the wonder table where I display and store a large range of natural materials for the children to look at, manipulate and play with.

I wrote the numbers 1-5 on some lovely bamboo plates and on an assortment of natural materials. 

I used pebbles, shells and little branch cookies.

The children sorted, counted and arranged the materials on and around the plates. They were carried to the playdough table and the light table to be used for various purposes.

You can use any materials you like to create an interesting, quick and relevant numeracy activity like this. Have a go at setting up a similar activity.

Niccola

Guest Judge Kidscrafts101

I love instagram and check it whenever I have a spare moment. I am always inspired and motivated to try new ideas and love the positive community and feedback everyone offers each other. To me, instagram is like buying a great magazine - you can't put it down and are mesmerised and inspired by the beautiful photos.

Last week, I was lucky enough to be invited by the hosts of kidscrafts101, Red Ted Art and Incredibusy to guest judge their weekly instagram challenge. Each week, teachers, parents and caregivers share easy craft ideas for kids using #kidscrafts101 and 9 winners are chosen by the guest judge every Monday. I had the pleasure of choosing the winners last week from the wonderful, interesting and varied kids art and craft activities posted on #kidscrafts101.

When looking for winners, I am always drawn to unique, original and interesting ideas that I haven't tried or seen before. I also like activities that provide learning opportunities for children through the process as well as the finished product. These ideas all appealed to me and after deliberating for quite some time, I came up with these winners........

Huge congrats to everyone who entered - there were so many great ideas which means there are lots of happy children getting the benefit of all of these lovely hands on learning experiences!!

@tinyn3rds

Lemon Prints

@lnnally

Leaf Collage

@kaja4kids

Cardboard Washing Machine

@madhatterpies

Frozen Paint

@Tiger_tilly

Cardboard Houses

@littlelifelonglearner

Hand and Feet Painting

@mielaerkerasmussen

Collage Craft

@heathfernance

Painting with a Spinning Citrus Juicer

@teachgrowlove

Making Marbled Paper

I'm sure you'll agree that these ideas are worth trying with your little ones. Check out these fabulous Instagram posts and all of the other wonderful ideas on #kidscrafts101. If you haven't checked out Instagram yet then I really think you should check it out!!

Niccola