The Preschool 2 children at RisingOaks Early Learning | John Sweeney had a chance to experience and enrich their play and learning through the ice. We found ice blocks in the playground and became interested in playing with them. We explored them by feeling and observing the different shapes, textures, and temperatures. We also threw some on the ground and observed how they broke and what shapes they recreated. Then, we decided to build structures and chose a nice spot to build. We put the wider ice blocks on the bottom first, then began to stack them one by one on it. When the structure did not stand stable, we examined each side of the ice and carefully used our fingers and fine motor skills to adjust the stability. Despite all the difficulties in fitting the shapes together, we were so patient that we continued to try and complete our creation. We were able to build a three story structure and celebrated our completion of the “Icy Tower”, as Joey named it.
After we finished our Icy Tower construction, Rosie wanted to bring the ice blocks into the classroom. The Children began to share ideas about what they could do with the ice blocks. Most of the children wanted to do ice art. We made an art table and prepared to be artists of ice! The children chose their favourite colours of paint and painted the ice blocks observing how the colours were turning thinner from the water droplets, as the ice melted. We touched and painted the ice with our hands and fingers as well. Anthony said, “Oh…cold…” We also created different colours by layering one colour on top of another. Rowan said, “See? I made green with this blue and this yellow!” We also imagined and invented stories about our art. Rosie said, “This is ocean. Big monster fish is in there”. In addition, when Jake wanted to join but we did not have any spots, Evelyn made him so happy by inviting him into her creative space.
Today’s experiences led us to explore, investigate, imagine, solve problems, and create special memories through the natural loose parts we found. These open-ended materials inspired us to initiate another learning experience by bringing the outdoor environment into the classroom. This allows us to experience the different perspectives and creative thinking enriched through our environment. It also enhanced our reciprocal interaction skills and negotiation skills. Therefore, ice play not only nurtured our joy, but also our development.
For the next step, we are thinking about extending to ice sensory play, ice decorative crafts, ice cooking, and ice science play. We look forward to seeing how our friends will initiate and develop their autonomy in these experiences. Would you like to join us?
