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CLOUD WEEK

CLOUD WEEK 2019

This week we will be exploring clouds, colors, science and colloidal suspensions ( a big word for messy fun) at the art table.

Colloidal Suspension

 ~ a mixture having particles of one component, with diameters between 10 −7and 10 −9metres, suspended in a continuous phase of another component. The mixture has properties between those of a solution and a fine suspension

~ a colloid that has a continuous liquid phase in which a solid is suspended in a liquid.

As we talk about clouds outside there are several ways you can bring that learning inside.  One of them is to make ‘goop’ to explore- as we will at the art table.  By combining cornstarch and water you get a mixture that is both solid and liquid – and lots of fun to play with.  It is a sensory experience that is both clean and messy. And lucky for the art station worker – it’s a project that is easy to clean up.  The cornstarch just brushes off clothing, wipes up off floors and disappears off of hands when they are dipped in water.  Clean, messy, fun!  We will be discussing shapes, texture and colors at school this week.  Our story will talk about different shapes you see in the cloud formations.  Ask your child what they see in the sky, in a reflection in a puddle or in a nature book. You can increase their vocabulary with ‘big’ scientific words as well as adjectives that describe shapes textures and colors.  

 In Mind in the MakingEllen Galinsky writes about 7 Essential Skills. Looking at things closely helps children develop focus.  True focus means they are alert, engaged and able to stay attentive during the activity.  As they experiment with the goop this week they will be focusing on shape, texture, design and then during circle time they will be focusing on similar shapes in the story It Looked Like Spilt Milk.This will encourage their Working Memory.  Working Memory allows you to take information you already have and connect that information with new information or experiences.  This happens when they sing a familiar song, remember what comes next and can make a prediction based on existing information. They will use both focus and working memory at preschool this week.

Did You Ever See a Cloud?

Did you ever see a cloud, a cloud, a cloud?

Did you ever see a cloud that looked like a ____?

A big one, a little one, a quiet one, a loud one?

Did you ever see a cloud that looked like a ____

Did you ever see a cat? A dog? A plane?

Ask your child to think of words that describe what clouds look like.

CLOUDS

The clouds are passing by,
The clouds are passing by,
Way up high in the sky,
The clouds are passing by.

The clouds are passing by,
Way up in the sky,
Sometimes fast, sometimes slow,
The clouds are passing 

5 Little Clouds

5 little clouds floating in the sky

First one said I’ll drop rain when I go by 

Second one said I’ll fill the sky with flashes of light (lightening)

Third one said I’ll make noise with all my might (thunder)

Fourth one said I’ll change the rain into snow 

Fifth one said when the sun comes out I’ll make a rainbow.