Building Creativity

Today I set Eva up with some marshmallows and toothpicks at the dining room table.  I showed her how to push the toothpicks into the marshmallows and connect and let her go to town.

This activity was great for working on fine motor skills and Eva learned about the need for a solid foundation (although watching the tower fall was tons of fun and became the new foundation!).

Eva loved adding the toothpicks and even returned to the sculpture while I was getting dinner ready.

250 toothpicks and a bigger support paper later, Eva unveiled her fantastic creation:

Who would have thought that a bowl full of mini marshmallows and some toothpicks could lead to such creativity!

 

Building and Construction

(Image Source)

One of the first things that often pops into mind when thinking about China is the Great Wall.  We will be honoring it by learning more about tools, buildings and construction.

Crafts
Nuts and Bolts Painting- we'll shake these fasteners around in some paint to make some cool abstract art

Scrap Box Buildings- our building supplies will come from our box of recyclables and scraps that we keep in the art center- can't wait to see what we create!

Activities
Blocks- you can't talk about building things without playing with blocks!

Marshmallow Structures- we'll use mini marshmallows and toothpicks to build all sorts of things

Exploring Tools- we'll try out hammers, screwdrivers, levels and many other tools to see how they work and what they are used for

Home Depot Field Trip- we'll visit one of Eva's favorite stores

Cooking
Triple Decker Sandwich- we'll take building to the kitchen and erect a tall tasty lunch

Books