We spent last week exploring solids and liquids. Towards the end of the week, Salwa and I co-read the book Stars by Mary Lyn Ray, illustrated by Marla Frazee.
Because this book is a bit longer and requires some deeper thinking on the part of the children, it was easier for them to engage when listening in both languages. I'd start by reading a page in English, then Salwa would translate and clarify.
We found Stars to be a very soothing book; our class was drawn in slowly, calmly, one page at a time.
Because this book is a bit longer and requires some deeper thinking on the part of the children, it was easier for them to engage when listening in both languages. I'd start by reading a page in English, then Salwa would translate and clarify.
We found Stars to be a very soothing book; our class was drawn in slowly, calmly, one page at a time.
After reading we posed a question to the children: What is a star?
The children knew stars were neither solid nor liquid, and it was interesting to watch them contemplate the possible answers to the question. We touched briefly on the idea of gas (which we explored again the next day . . . but more on that later!). The idea wasn't to reach a concrete definition or give them any kind of direct explanation -- we just wanted to get them thinking and hopefully asking more questions.
As a follow up to the book and discussion, we explored a new-to-us process: bubble painting!
We mixed dish soap, paint, and water in a small container, then used a straw to make colorful bubbles.
After giving the children plenty of time to explore the bubble-making process, we gave them star cutouts to make prints with the bubbles:
It was a great way link what we already knew about liquids with a new concept (our breath as the gas that makes the bubbles), and in the context of a beautiful story and project.
Yet another one we just can't wait to display!
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