The days of swimming until sunset, twilight marshmallow roasts, and flexible bedtimes are coming to a rapid end for many preschoolers (including my own). In our home the carefree days of summer will soon be replaced by structured school routines, but not before one last blast of pure preschool fun.
The following are some of my daughter’s favorite activities, which we plan to partake in this week:
HOMEMADE CANDY JEWELRY
Materials:
Your child’s favorite treats that can be strung on pieces of red or black licorice, such as Lifesavers, Gummi Rings, chocolate covered pretzels, Cheerios, etc.
Directions:
Measure the licorice and cut it in lengths for bracelets or necklaces making sure to allow enough at the end to tie a knot.
Have your child string candies and other treats until she gets to the end of the licorice, and then tie the ends together.
FLOWER COLORING
This educational science project shows children how plants drink water, and what happens when you tint that water.
Materials:
Glass cup or vase
Water
Food coloring
White carnation
Directions:
Fill a clear glass or vase halfway with water and add enough food coloring to tint the water a bright color.
Add a white carnation and watch the flower change color over the next few hours as it drinks the water.
TIP: You can also try this experiment with celery. It works especially well if you have a reluctant vegetable eater. After all, who can say “no” to biting into a piece of purple celery?
RAISIN LETTERS
Materials:
Toothpicks
Raisins
Paper
Pen, crayon, or marker
Directions:
Place one raisin on the tip of each toothpick (the raisins will help keep the toothpicks together).
On a piece of paper, draw letters (or shapes) that correspond in size to the toothpicks.
Have your child connect the toothpicks to create each letter or shape.
TIP: You can draw your child’s name or write an entire sentence with the raisin toothpicks.
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