Slime and soccer fun - 27th August 2021

Today I asked the children would they like to play with some Gelli bath or slime. Ruby, Michael and Hunter all said "slime" they were so excited to choose between the red or green slime and green was the one they chose . Once we were ready we all headed outside the children were all excited to help we carried the bucket of water, mat, paintbrushes to mix and the activator. We poured the water into the tub then in went the activator the children were so curious. I started mixing it with my brush, their little fingers started poking into the slime they were a little unsure at first as it was starting to thicken up they all wanted to have a turn so Yvette went and found more paintbrushes for them all to mix with. Soon it was ready and the children started putting their hands in and going 'eww' as it was so slimy, I then went and found some buckets, utensils so they could add the slime into their own bowls while mixing it, educator Jennifer said it looks like witches potion" as that's what it did looked like.

The children kept coming back and forth with the slime, except Pilar who was very hesitant at first but soon began to love it and didn't move from the activity until we packed it away. Hunter also loved it he tried to sit and climb into the container a few times whilst covering himself in the slime even after we moved him away from the activity he always ended up back there.

We also had soccer balls out this morning, Hunter and Michael have been loving kicking goals so we made a little game out of it where everyone wanted to be involved. Yvette and Maria had turns of being goals keepers and even Hunter S had a turn at being a goalkeeper with help from Maria. The children wanted to kick the most goals showing their competitive sides throughout the mini-game.

As we started to pack up the slime for lunch the children rushed back to get one more last play in the slime we then realised the slime was on the soft fall which made a mini slip and slide they played this before we had to hose it clean!

Link to Pedagogical Documentation

EYLF Outcomes

Outcomes: 4: Children are confident and involved learners Elements: 4.2 Children develop a range of skills and processes such as problem solving, inquiry, experimentation, hypothesising, researching and investigating. Sensory play supports scientific thinking which involves inquiry, experimentation, hypothesising, researching and investigating it also encourages a child to use their senses to discover new aspects.

Outcomes: 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing Elements: 3.2 Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing.

Theorists

This learning experience links to Piaget's theory as he believes children need to be able to see, touch, taste, smell and move the things they are learning about, it's called concrete 'learning'

Interpretation

Critical reflection- As an educator I really enjoyed this activity with the children as we were able to watch the slime go from water to a thicker substance. It was good to see the children become so engaged and curious about what we were making. The mini soccer game was also a great choice as it engaged the educators and children to be involved and in a little competition for all involved. Follow up- More sensory activities.